Ever since the FDA approved the first birth control pill in 1960, it's remained a popular form of contraception for women. Barring more invasive and permanent methods of birth control, such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or sterilization, the pill is effective in preventing pregnancy -- but only if you use it correctly.
Not everyone gets pregnant the old-fashioned way anymore. Gay and lesbian couples, couples suffering from infertility and surrogate mothers are a few examples of people who often become pregnant without having intercourse. There are several effective methods for conceiving without traditional intercourse. Of these methods, the least expensive and clinical is artificial insemination at home. Jokingly called the "turkey baster" method, artificial insemination at home involves introducing sperm to the mother's vagina with a needless syringe instead of through intercourse.
While some pregnancies are happy surprises, others are planned with precision akin to a space shuttle launch. If you and your spouse have developed the itch to add to your family, dedicating yourselves to pregnancy planning may be a wise choice. By actively planning your next pregnancy, you can help ensure that you and your body are prepared for the rigors of pregnancy and of adjusting to having a newborn to care for.
Besides stating the obvious on how to conceive, you can also increase your chances by eating the right foods. Your dietary choices can make a difference in your fertility, and the sooner you start eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones, the more you increase your chances of getting pregnant. Not only will you be healthier, but so will your baby.
When you want to become a parent for the first time or add to your family, having a miscarriage within the early stages of pregnancy is devastating. Losing a baby takes an emotional as well as physical toll on you. It is possible to have a healthy and successful pregnancy after a miscarriage, though. About 85 percent of women who miscarried go on to have a successful second pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
A surrogate pregnancy is an option for couples with fertility problems or who cannot carry a baby to term. A woman carries and delivers the baby for the couple. Surrogacy comes with many pros and cons for both the couple and the surrogate mother. Learning all the aspects of surrogacy helps a couple decide if it is the best option.
Prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of folic acid, calcium and iron to support your baby's growth. While they are definitely important during pregnancy, it's also smart to take prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, whether you are trying to conceive or not. MayoClinic.com suggests that you start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before conception.
Working out and exercising can do wonders for your health. Getting too much exercise and working out too hard can also do a number on your health, especially if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future. Too much exercise can prevent ovulation or cause you to skip your period. You should still strive to workout, though. Just keep the workouts moderately tame, and don't start training for a triathlon.
When you want to get pregnant, you need to try to have sex around the time that you ovulate. If you have irregular cycles, however, pinpointing the right time to have sex proves troublesome. Getting pregnant may take you longer than a woman with a regular cycle, but it is often still possible, though you may need some help from your doctor.
A newborn brings joy to the family, but a new addition also means new responsibility and a major life change. Preparing for your new baby before you even become pregnant increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy. The conception itself is only one aspect of the pregnancy planning. Making healthy choices leading up to conception is key.
