Are you planning to grow your family this year? Embarking on the journey to parenthood is exciting, and if you’re eager to get started, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting pregnant sooner.
As an experienced OB/GYN in Rhode Island, A. Michael Coppa, MD, offers comprehensive personalized gynecology and pregnancy care to help women understand and optimize their fertility. So if you want to get pregnant quickly, here are a few things to start doing now.
First, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin if you’re not doing so already. Even before conception, you should get all the essential nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to fill any nutritional gaps and support your reproductive health. Find a prenatal that contains the recommended daily amount of folic acid, a crucial nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
When you start taking a prenatal vitamin before you try to conceive, you give your body a consistent supply of essential vitamins and minerals. If you don’t have a specific prenatal vitamin in mind, ask Dr. Coppa for recommendations.
Dr. Coppa offers preconception consultations for couples who want to get pregnant. During this appointment, we discuss your medical history and any existing health conditions that could affect your ability to conceive.
Early discussions can help us identify and address potential issues, which can help you have a smoother and more informed journey to parenthood.
Depending on your situation, we may recommend changes to your medications, lifestyle adjustments, or other treatments to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Understanding your menstrual cycles helps you improve your chances of getting pregnant quickly. You can get pregnant when you have unprotected sex near ovulation, and this time is often called the fertile window.
Most women ovulate approximately two weeks before the start of their next menstrual period. Tracking your menstrual cycles and identifying your fertile window each month can significantly enhance your chances of conception.
Start by keeping a calendar or using an app to track the start and end dates of your menstrual cycles. Some women also track basal body temperature (BBT). BBT charting involves tracking your body temperature when you wake up every morning. A slight increase in temperature indicates ovulation.
Another option is using ovulation predictor kits. These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone that occurs 24-48 hours before ovulation, and regularly using them can help you pinpoint the most fertile days in your cycle.
A healthy lifestyle helps enhance your fertility and promotes a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Coppa recommends eating a well-balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Physical activity is vital for everyone, and it can positively affect your fertility, too. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Not only does exercise help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps lower stress. High stress levels can disrupt your natural hormonal balance and interfere with the reproductive process.
Trying to get pregnant can be a stressful and emotional time, so prioritize your mental well-being, too. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family, and communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and expectations.
Every individual's journey to parenthood is unique, and if you’ve decided to start trying for a baby, we're here to help. Schedule your preconception consultation online now or call one of our offices in Cranston, Providence, or Smithfield, Rhode Island, to learn more.
