3 Things To Consider Before Trying To Conceive
So, you’ve decided that you’re ready to have a baby. You’ve reached a point in your life and/or your relationship where you’re ready to embark on the journey of parenthood. Although you’re excited about the idea of becoming a parent in the near future, you’re also apprehensive about the struggles that may lie ahead. You’ve likely heard stories of women having trouble conceiving or a difficult pregnancy. Sure, it sounds rather complicated and at times can be stressful, however, having a solid plan in place can make your journey a lot easier to travel.
Trying to conceive isn’t as cut and dry as you might think. Some women end up pregnant fairly quickly while others have to try for several months or get assistance from their doctor. Below, are a few steps to take as you try to get pregnant:
Check Your Health
The key to sustaining a healthy pregnancy is being in good health yourself. You and your partner should visit your primary care physicians to get physicals. This will give you a detailed idea as to where your health is and if you’re ready to have a baby. Women should also schedule a checkup with their ob-gyn to ensure their reproductive system is intact.
Know Your Options
Though the hope is to conceive naturally, it isn’t always an option for couples who may be struggling with fertility issues. During your physical with your doctor and/or ob-gyn, discuss the various ways that couples can try to have a baby. This way, if you try naturally but are unsuccessful, you already have an idea of what steps to take next. Fortunately, there are several options provided to couples. You should always review these options further including the process, costs, and success rates by checking reputable sources like YourFertilityFriend.com:
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization or IVF treatments are an option. The female will be required to take some medications to help increase the production of eggs. A procedure is done to surgically remove the eggs to fertilize them with the sperm. Once embryos have been created, they are implanted back into the uterus.
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination is another procedure for people trying to get pregnant. In this procedure, the female may need medication to increase the production of eggs, however, they aren’t removed. Instead, the sperm is collected and placed inside of the uterus at or around ovulation time to increase the likelihood of the sperm and egg creating an embryo.
Donors – If one or both parties are infertile or struggling with health issues that make it impossible to create a child there is an option for a donor. Using donated eggs or sperm and trying either of the above-mentioned procedures, fertility specialists have helped couples to have successful pregnancies.
Surrogate – If your ob-gyn has told you that you’re unable to carry a baby to term, there are still options for having a baby. A surrogate is a woman who will carry the baby for you. There are lots of agencies you can look into to find someone right for you. Your egg and your partner’s sperm are collected and made into embryos which are then implanted in the uterus of the surrogate. If successful, she carries the baby to term and you have a bouncing boy or girl in nine months.
Maintain a Good Diet
Whether you’re struggling with fertility issues or you’ve been given a clean bill of health it is imperative that you fuel your body with the right nutrients and vitamins to create a safe environment for your fetus. You and your partner should start eating foods rich in iron, protein, fatty acids, and folic acid. This includes fruits and vegetables, fish, and lean meats. Try to steer clear of too much processed food or sweets. Also, drink plenty of water.
Planning to have a child is a lot more detailed than some people may realize. If you’ve decided that you’re ready to become a mother, you’ll want to keep these steps in mind. Start by visiting your doctor and ob-gyn to get a clear picture of your reproductive health. Then, learn about other options you have for trying to conceive. Lastly, make lifestyle changes like eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. Most importantly, have fun with it and try to remain stress-free. What you’ll learn about becoming a parent really soon is that getting pregnant is only the start. Surviving the first year and beyond is another story for another day.