3 Things You Need to Know When Trying for Baby

So, you’ve decided that it’s time to add a new addition to your happy family and you and your spouse have begun trying for baby! Do you know what you need to do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and conception? Before you begin trying for baby (or even if the trying has already begun) there are three things you need to keep in mind.

1. Get Plenty of Folic Acid!

When trying for baby, make sure that you get plenty of folic acid. The evidence is in, and folic acid can actually help prevent certain birth defects. Just make sure that you begin taking folic acid before you actually begin trying to conceive. Your baby’s vital organs are going to be developing before you even know he or she is in there, so start taking folic acid sooner rather than later.

2. Patience is a Virtue

When you begin trying for baby, it is natural for you to want it to happen right away. Some couples get discouraged after one or two negative pregnancy tests. Don’t despair! There are some important facts that might reassure you.

First and foremost, you need to remember that only 25 percent of the couples who try to conceive do so in the very first month. That number jumps to 60 percent after six months of trying for baby. If it has been six months and you still don’t have a positive pregnancy test, don’t give up hope. The number jumps from 60 to 75 percent at nine months, and within a year 80 percent of the couples who are trying to conceive do so.

If you have only been trying for baby for a few months, don’t let those negative pregnancy tests get you down. Chances are, that positive test is going to be coming up in the near future.

3. Pay Attention to Your Body

When trying for baby you will need to learn how to read your body. You are only fertile during certain times of the month, and understanding how to recognize those times can increase your chances of a successful conception.

Now is the time to learn that thermometers aren’t just for sick days. You will want to start tracking your waking body temperature. Right before you ovulate, your temperature is going to go up a little and will stay up until your period begins. Keep track of your temperature on a calendar by your bed and you’ll know exactly when you should be trying for baby.

If you’re up to it, you can also pay attention to the consistency of your cervical mucus. No, it doesn’t sound fun but it’s no worse than changing a diaper! Right before you ovulate, your cervical mucus will have the consistency of egg whites. When your temperature goes up and your cervical mucus changes, it’s time to get to work!

Remember, good things come to those who wait! Make sure to take care of yourself and your body when trying for baby and the rest will fall into place.

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