Conception Tips

No matter where you are in your preconception journey – you’re just starting to think about having a baby, or you’ve been trying for a while – these tips might help you get your body ready for getting pregnant and create some healthier habits.

There’s no set time for how long it will take for each person to get pregnant. Did you know that around 80% of women will fall pregnant within a year of trying ? If you’re wanting to increase your chances of pregnancy, there are a number of factors that need to align in order for you to become pregnant. When it comes to tips to getting pregnant, being healthy is one of the easier things you and your partner can do before conceiving to prepare for pregnancy.

Our 6 conception tips to help get your body ready for pregnancy:

1. If you’re ready to get pregnant now, stop hormonal birth control sooner rather than later

Non-hormonal types of contraception such as using condoms, a diaphragm, a copper IUD, or natural family planning (sometimes known as the rhythm method) don’t affect fertility levels. However, if you’re using a hormonal contraceptive like the pill, it can take a month or two for your natural menstrual cycle to get back to its normal rhythm after stopping. This doesn’t mean you can’t fall pregnant within that time, it just might be more difficult to know the pattern of your menstrual cycle to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

If you’re unsure how your contraception may affect you, or when and how is best to stop, speak to your healthcare professional for advice.
 

2. Get to know and track your menstrual cycle

Whether you want to take a structured or more relaxed approach to getting pregnant, it can be helpful to know the patterns of your menstrual cycle. You’re most fertile 12-24 hours after ovulating (when your ovaries release an egg). This could happen, for example, on day 14-15 of an average 28-day cycle.

Having an idea of when you are likely to ovulate could help improve your chances of conceiving more quickly because you can take advantage of your fertile window. Bear in mind that not everyone has a 28-day menstrual cycle, and your fertile days can vary from month to month. Check out our ovulation calculator to help estimate your fertile window.
 

3. Consider a preconception checkup

Regardless of whether you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is a good idea to have a preconception checkup with your healthcare professional to discuss your current health and any conception tips.

There are many medical conditions that may require some extra care when planning to have a baby. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that may affect your fertility such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or you’re concerned about any irregularities in your cycle, ask your healthcare professional for advice on getting pregnant before trying to conceive.
 

4. Eat healthy to prepare for pregnancy

It’s important to have the right nutrients, in the right quantities, even before getting pregnant. Find out about the best fertility diet here.  Eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle before getting pregnant means your body is more prepared for pregnancy and birth. There are some simple food swaps you can do to help you make healthier choices which are easy to try. Here are some delicious and healthy recipe ideas for you to try.

Being a healthy weight (both you and your partner) may have a positive effect on your ability to conceive, and might help reduce your chances of your baby being under- or overweight at birth. Talk to your healthcare professional if you’re worried about your weight or lifestyle.

5. Do some moderate exercise every day

Being active will help get your body into good shape for pregnancy and labour. Doing some moderate exercise every day such as swimming, brisk walking, yoga or pilates will help you be healthy and be fitter for when you’re pregnant with your baby.

It’s worth noting that some women who do excessive amounts of exercise can face challenges with their fertility, such as irregular or missed periods, and may want to reduce their activity levels before trying to conceive. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about exercise.

6. Cut out unhealthy habits

Did you know your lifestyle habits are extremely important even before you get pregnant? You should also stop smoking, and drinking alcohol. The current recommendations in Australia are that it’s safest to not drink alcohol at all, both while you’re pregnant and when you’re trying to conceive. Drinking may cause potential harm to your unborn baby. Speak to your healthcare professional for more guidance around this.

If you love coffee, you might need to cut back to the recommended amount of caffeine. This is no more than 200mg of caffeine per day. That’s approximately 1 cup of espresso, 2-3 cups of instant coffee or 4 cups of tea.  Caffeine has been associated with reduced fertility, a higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.

Embarking on the journey of trying to conceive is an exciting and hopeful time in life. Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.  It’s completely normal to have questions and seek advice for getting pregnant. Reach out to healthcare professionals, fertility specialists, or support groups for guidance and conception tips. They can provide valuable insights, personalised advice, and reassurance throughout the process. 

 

Frequently asked questions about getting pregnant

How to conceive?

Apart from maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle in preparation for getting pregnant, one of the most important steps in conceiving is to understand your menstrual cycle by tracking your periods and identifying your fertile window. This can help you determine the best time for intercourse. Have regular unprotected intercourse during your fertile window.

How to increase chances of getting pregnant?

To increase your chances of conceiving, focus on these key steps: track your menstrual cycle to identify fertile days, have regular intercourse during that time, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise, manage stress levels, and consider prenatal vitamins. Remember, each person's journey is unique, so consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

Is it easy to get pregnant?

The ease of getting pregnant can vary from person to person. For some couples, conception can happen quickly, while for others, it may take more time and effort. Many factors can influence the ease of getting pregnant, including age, overall health, reproductive health, timing of intercourse, and other individual factors. It's important to remember that fertility is a complex process and not guaranteed for everyone. If you have concerns about your fertility or are experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and support.

What are good things to do when trying to get pregnant?

There are a few positive things you can do that are in your control to help you get pregnant.  First being maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress levels, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. These factors can positively impact fertility.  Also, maintain a healthy weight: Being either underweight or overweight can affect fertility. Strive for a healthy weight range to optimise your chances of getting pregnant. As part of a healthy balanced diet, you may want to consider prenatal vitamins like folic acid and other key nutrients that are important for when you conceive.  If you've been trying to conceive for a while without success, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

How can I be positive when trying to conceive?

Getting pregnant can take time, and it’s important to stay patient and maintain a positive mindset. There are many techniques and activities that you may want to engage in when trying to conceive such focussing on the present and try to embrace and enjoy the process;  Prioritise self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Engage in hobbies, exercise, meditate, or pamper yourself; Surround yourself with support from your partner, friends, or support groups who understand and empathise with your journey; Educate yourself about fertility and the conception process, but avoid becoming obsessed with every detail; and Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Express gratitude for the love and support you have, the opportunities you enjoy, and the blessings in your life. This can help shift your perspective and maintain a positive outlook.

How do I know if I am fertile enough to get pregnant?

While it's challenging to determine fertility without medical testing, regular menstrual cycles, tracking ovulation, and having regular, unprotected intercourse can indicate fertility. If you have concerns, are older, or have been trying to conceive without success for some time, consulting with your doctor or a fertility specialist can provide personalised fertility assessments and guidance.