How to get pregnant

Wondering how to get pregnant? Understand when you're most fertile, how often to have sex — and when to seek help.

Some couples seem to get pregnant simply by talking about it. For others, it takes plenty of patience and a bit of luck. If you're wondering how to get pregnant, start the old-fashioned way. Here's what you need to know — and when to seek help.
Baby-making basics

Conception is based on an intricate series of events.

Every month, hormones from your pituitary gland stimulate your ovaries to release an egg, or ovulate. This often happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary among women or even from month to month.

Once the egg is released, it travels to the fallopian tube. If you want to conceive, now's the time. The egg has about 24 hours to unite with a sperm. Since sperm cells can survive in your reproductive tract for two to three days, it's best to have regular sex during the days leading up to ovulation.

If the egg is fertilized, it'll travel to the uterus two to four days later. There it'll attach to the uterine lining. You're pregnant! Your periods will stop as your body begins to support the embryo.

If the egg isn't fertilized, it'll break down and you'll have your next period as usual.
Understanding when you're most fertile

Learning how ovulation works is one thing. Determining when it's actually happening is something else. For many women, it's like hitting a moving target.

Keep an eye on the calendar
Use your day planner or another simple calendar to mark the day your period begins each month. Also track the number of days each period lasts. If you have a consistent 28-day cycle, ovulation is likely to begin about 14 days after the day your last period began.

If your cycles are somewhat long, subtract 18 from the number of days in your shortest cycle. When your next period begins, count ahead this many days. The next week is a reasonable guess for your most fertile days.

* Pros. Calendar calculations can be done simply on paper. And they're free!
* Cons. Many factors may affect the exact timing of ovulation, including illness, stress and exercise. Counting days is often inaccurate, especially for women who have irregular cycles.

Watch for changes in cervical mucus
Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, slippery vaginal secretions — if you look for it. These secretions typically resemble raw egg whites. After ovulation, when the odds of becoming pregnant are slim, the discharge will become cloudy and sticky or disappear entirely.

* Pros. Changes in vaginal secretions are often an accurate sign of impending fertility. Simple observation is all that's needed, particularly inside the vagina.
* Cons. You have to check your vagina for the secretions. And judging the texture or appearance of vaginal secretions can be somewhat subjective.

Track your basal body temperature
This is your body's temperature when you're fully at rest. Ovulation may cause a gradual rise in temperature or even a sudden jump — typically between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. You can assume ovulation has occurred when the slightly higher temperature remains steady for three days or more.

Use an oral thermometer to monitor your basal body temperature. Try the digital variety or one specifically designed to measure basal body temperature. Simply take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Plot the readings on graph paper and look for a pattern to emerge.

* Pros. It's simple. The only cost is the thermometer. It's often most helpful to determine when you've ovulated and judge if the timing is consistent from month to month.
* Cons. The temperature change may be subtle, and the increase comes too late — after ovulation has already happened. It can be inconvenient to take your temperature at the same time every day, especially if you have irregular sleeping hours.

Try an ovulation monitoring kit
Over-the-counter ovulation kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. For the most accurate results, follow the instructions on the label to the letter.

* Pros. Ovulation kits can identify the most likely time of ovulation. They can even provide a signal before ovulation actually happens. They're available without a prescription in most pharmacies.
* Cons. Ovulation kits often lead to excessively targeted sex — and timing sex so precisely can invite being too late. The tests can also be expensive, often ranging from $20 to $50 each.

Maximizing fertility

When you're trying to conceive, consider these simple do's and don'ts.

Do:

* Have sex regularly. If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.
* Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation. Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.
* Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.
* Consider preconception planning. Your doctor can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.
* Take your vitamins. Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. Taking a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning at least one month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects by up to 70 percent.

Don't:

* Smoke. Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.
* Drink alcohol. Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant — or hope to be.
* Take medication without your doctor's OK. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you're pregnant.

*Source taken from http://www.mayoclinic.com

Infertility

Women are waiting longer to have children. This naturally decreases the opportunity for spontaneous pregnancy, especially for women in their mid- to late-thirties, but statistics also confirm that more couples are seeking treatment for infertility.

Approximately one in six couples is infertile–defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility appears to vary between the sexes but can be related to a number of things including structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies.

Fertility statistics in Canada show that about 50 percent of infertile couples decide against medical treatment and of those that go ahead with treatment, about 80 to 90 percent undergo medications or surgery that are not without complications or future risk of side effects. Only about five percent use advanced methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF), which offers a 20 percent success rate.

Fortunately, there are viable, safe, and effective natural options for men and women that have long-lasting, health-promoting effects and prove little to no risk for future health concerns.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM focuses on harmonizing energy flow and achieving a balance of yin and yang energies. It has been used for thousands of years to assist with male and female fertility. Interestingly, TCM philosophies purport that the vitality of the mother and the father at the point of conception helps to form the foundation of the baby’s wellness for life. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the flow of qi (energy), while Chinese herbs work to strengthen and nourish vital body fluids and the function of internal organs.

TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for optimal body function, hormonal balance, sperm and egg production, and the process of reproduction. Hormonal balance for fertility and for stress management can be achieved by eating a balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and low glycemic carbohydrates with each meal and snack. Processed foods, caffeine, trans fatty acids, excess saturated fats, and larger fish that may be high in mercury should be avoided.

Herbal Medicines

Herbs can help regulate the menstrual cycle, increase ovulation, and improve hormonal balance. Men can also use herbal medicines to improve hormone profiles. In some cases, saw palmetto, oats, and tribulus are beneficial. It is always best to consult a professional.

A perfect lunch and dinner plate could have one-third salad with homemade organic olive oil dressing; one-third grilled, steamed, baked, or stir-fried vegetables; and one-third lean protein (or a serving about the size and width of your palm).

TCM can be particularly useful for endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain, and to improve sperm production and motility. Acupuncture has also been proven to be of benefit with IVF treatments. A German study (Highlights in Fertility and Sterility, April 2002) indicated that adding acupuncture to the treatment protocol of IVF patients greatly enhanced their chance of becoming pregnant.

The most commonly used herbs to enhance fertility in women:

* donq quai
* wild yam
* black cohosh
* chaste tree
* false unicorn
* licorice
* red raspberry leaf

Natasha Turner, BSc, ND, VP of Natural Medicine at Truestar Health Inc., practises in Toronto, specializing in hormonal issues, preventive health, and digestive complaints, and can be reached at drturner@truestarhealth.com.

*Source taken from www.alive.com

What herbs help boost fertility in women?

Fertility Enhancing Herbs

Naturopathy is gaining a lot of popularity these days. It is no doubt the safest way to manage diseases and symptoms. Here are some useful herbs that help to boost fertility in men and women. Used individually or as a fertility blend, they can help you increase your chances of getting pregnant significantly and with very few side effects. However, it is advised to use caution when combining herbs with prescription or over-the-counter medications, as some react adversely together. Most of the time, if you are taking fertility drugs, it is very advisable to NOT take herbal remedies at the same time. Always seek the advice of your health care provider or naturopathic doctor before taking anything.

The herbs listed below are among the most popular for enhancing female fertility:

Black cohosh - this is an antispasmodic which relieves cramping. You may take this herb in the first half of your cycle from menstruation to ovulation.

Dong Quai - considered a female hormone regulator and an effective toner for the uterus. It should be taken in the first half of the cycle and in others the second half. It is advised to check the label for dosage information and consult with your healthcare provider or physician before taking Dong Quai at all.

Evening Primrose Oil - helps to increase fertile quality cervical fluid and also contains essential fatty acids which are good for the brain. You may take this EPO from menstruation to ovulation and switch to Flax Seed Oil after ovulation. Flax Seed Oil contains the fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Evening Primrose Oil causes uterine contractions - which is why you should not take it after ovulation in the event that conception did occur.

False Unicorn- helps with ovarian pain and female infertility. You may take this herb in the first half of cycle from menstruation to ovulation.

Red Raspberry Leaf - You may take this herb during the entire cycle as it strengthens the uterine lining, thus helping to lengthen the luteal phase. But do ask your healthcare provider about continuing red raspberry leaf once pregnancy occurs. Usually, it should only be taken in the last trimester of pregnancy, because it �tones� the uterus.

Vitex (Chaste Berry)- Known as the female herb, it helps to regulate hormones and should be taken either the entire cycle or the first half from menstruation to ovulation.

It is certainly not necessary to take ALL of these herbs at once. Pick and choose which ones you may need and which ones will benefit you the most. Some cover the same areas of fertility enhancement while others offer a more general supplementation. These herbs come in different forms - tablets, capsules, tinctures - and in many different brands. They also come as fertility blends where you can benefit for the synergized effects of all herbs in the right dosage. Choose the formula you prefer and choose a brand that is reputable and pure. Read related articles on how the use of Green tea and Evening Primrose Oil can affect your fertility.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) - Its Role In Trying to Conceive

What is Evening Primrose oil or EPO?
Evening Primrose Oil is the oil derived from a North American wildflower called Evening Primrose. Evening Primrose is not really a primrose, but it gets its name from that flower because the plant looked similar to an English Primrose. The oil is rich in Vitamin E just like olives and nuts are. In addition, evening primrose oil also has gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. People that have difficulty creating in this fatty acid in their own bodies can benefit from its use.

The Europeans were one of the first to make it popular. They brought it back to their native soil and crowned this oil a "King's cure-all" because of its many useful properties that can cure a large number of diseases. In England, the oil is approved for use with eczema and high cholesterol. In women, it can especially be helpful for relieving breast pain, menstrual pains and improving the quality and fertility of cervical mucus.

How does Evening Primrose Oil help you in getting pregnant?
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms and aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO does a world of good in treating aliments of all sorts. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. These anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil help people suffering from pains, aches and cramps.

Evening Primrose Oil or EPO also has effects on premenstrual syndrome symptoms and cervical mucus. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, it could be because you are deficient in the fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can help your body to alleviate the premenstrual syndrome symptoms by replacing the gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

Evening Primrose Oil or EPO helps women to produce more fertile quality cervical fluid also known as "egg white cervical mucus". This type of cervical fluid is fertile, thin, watery, clear and "stretchy" and easily aids the sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to five days inside the fallopian tube, thus enabling conception to happen even if you don't have intercourse again by the time ovulation occurs.

If your cervical fluid is thick, brown or dry, it can obstruct or prevent fertilization. Some women are very dry, and have problems in producing an adequate amount of fertile quality cervical fluid. Drinking a lot of water and taking the Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can certainly help in the production of fertile cervical fluid in these women.

What is the dosage for Evening Primrose Oil or EPO?
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO should only be taken from menstruation to ovulation. This is because Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy. The dosage taken should be 1500mg to 3000mg per day. Since essential fatty acids are necessary, you can take flax seed oil in place of Evening Primrose Oil or EPO after ovulation. This may be taken throughout pregnancy as well.

There are many remedies out there to help with fertility, but few are as good as Evening Primrose Oil or EPO. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is excellent for women because of the help it gives in alleviating premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and even menopausal women can benefit from taking it. There are a large number of women who will vouch for Evening Primrose Oil or EPO as a great agent to increase the fertile type cervical fluid.

Like all herbs, the use of Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can take a month or two to build up, and produce the results you are looking for. It is essential that you chart your fertility symptoms and signs, so you can know when you have ovulated. By knowing this information, you can discontinue the Evening Primrose Oil or EPO after ovulation and start the flax seed oil. Unless you are very regular, charting your fertility signs is the best tool to determine where you are in your cycle.