Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant

Have you been trying to conceive, but are not being able to do so for a long time? Believe it or not, you are not alone. There are thousands of couples who face the same problem. If you are trying to start a family, I am sure you are taking all the precautions required to maximize your chances of conceiving. But, if still nothing seems to be working, you may be over looking some common mistakes that couples tend to make.

There are various reasons for not being able to conceive, apart from certain serious medical issues. Couples trying to have a baby try various medications to optimize their chances of getting pregnant. However, they tend to commit some common mistakes, which are definitely not difficult to avoid. This Buzzle article enlightens you about common mistakes to avoid while trying to conceive.

Mistakes To Avoid When Trying To Get Pregnant

• It is sensible to fulfill your responsibilities (like buying a house, beefing up your savings and so on) before you plan a baby. However, do not delay too much because, the more you delay, the lesser the chances of getting pregnant. It is important for you to understand your body. Women in their twenties are more fertile than those in their late thirties and forties. The ability of a woman to conceive decreases by 50% after she crosses her twenties. So, if you feel ready, go for it.
• Did you know that, having sex everyday reduces the sperm count of your man, and affects the quality of sperm. Besides once the sperm count goes down it takes time to get the count back to normal. If you think having sex everyday increases your chances of getting pregnant, you are mistaken. Instead this activity may lessen the probability of conception. Having sex every other day, instead of everyday might help, as it gives the man the chance to recharge his sperm count.
• Most women consider the 14th day - counting from the 1st day of their periods - to be their ovulation day. This is the most common mistake women make. Firstly, not all women have a perfect 28 day menstrual cycle. Therefore, assuming this myth to be true and having sex only on those days will definitely not serve the purpose. So, track your fertile days properly and plan accordingly.
• Although most couples usually obsess about positions, there is no evidence in particular, that it will aid conception. Hence, it is unnecessary to stress too much about it and try acrobatics in bed. However, just make sure to avoid gravity-defying positions that discourage the sperms from traveling upstream. Although there is no evidence that this works, one can try lying down horizontally with a pillow under your buttocks after intercourse, to help the sperms travel to the uterus.
• You have to relax. Stress before, during and after pregnancy is not healthy, for you as well as for your baby. Stress can cause hormonal imbalance, which can affect the production of pregnancy hormones (HCG) and delay pregnancy. Therefore, relax and you will be just fine.
• As mentioned earlier, the older the woman, the lesser are the chances of her getting pregnant immediately. Therefore, before you start planning for a baby make sure you consult the obstetrician to identify risks (if any) associated with your pregnancy.
• Some common lifestyle factors also play an important role in affecting your fertility. The couple has to alter them accordingly. Hanging onto unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking or drug use, can only hamper your chances of conceiving. Obesity is another roadblock on the road to pregnancy. Therefore, following a well-balanced, healthy diet and maintaining your body weight are a few factors you ought to focus on.

Avoiding these mistakes will maximize your chances of getting pregnant. If you are avoiding all these mistakes and still unable to conceive, then consult your doctor as soon as possible. And most importantly, stop drawing absurd conclusions and assuming "the problem" lies with you.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.

Take care.