When you’re eager to have a baby, you’re willing to try almost anything to improve the chances of conception. There are plenty of old wives’ tales and pregnancy preparation tricks that all claim to improve your odds conceiving a baby, but the most effective methods are mostly based on taking care of yourself and timing. It can take up to a year to get pregnant naturally, but you may be able to conceive faster with these tips.

5 Tips to Help You Get Pregnant

1. See Your Doctor

Before you get pregnant, see your gynecologist for an exam. This way, your doctor can identify any underlying medical conditions that might make conception and pregnancy more challenging. They can also give tips to help you understand your cycle and identify the most fertile days.

2. Get Healthy

Women and their partners should focus on becoming as healthy as possible as part of their pregnancy preparation efforts. This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising. Strenuous workouts can disrupt your menstrual cycle, however, so focus on getting enough physical activity—about 30 minutes per day—to enjoy the health benefits of exercise.

3. Learn Your Cycle

Knowing your most fertile days can help you time intercourse for the highest chance of conception. Most women ovulate 12 to 16 days before getting a period but are most fertile for the five days prior to ovulation and the day the egg is released. Try using an ovulation predictor or take your temperature every morning; most women see a slight increase in their body temperature during ovulation.

4. Protect the Sperm

Sperm can live up to five days inside a woman’s body, so there’s no need to have sex every day during the fertile period. Still, you can take steps to ensure the sperm is of the highest quality. These include avoiding tight-fitting clothing, keeping your cellphone out of pants pockets, staying out of the hot tub, and avoiding soy or soy-based foods while trying to conceive.

5. De-Stress

Excessive amounts of stress can affect ovulation and make it harder to get pregnant. It can also affect your relationship, making sex less likely. Make reducing stress a priority as a couple, spending time together relaxing and doing activities you enjoy. Some couples have also found acupuncture to be helpful in reducing stress and helping them conceive.

If you’re thinking about having a baby, turn to Advanced OB-GYN Services in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, for expert advice and care before, during, and after your pregnancy. Dr. Joseph Hazan has more than 30 years of experience and has delivered more than 6,000 babies. Make an appointment for a pregnancy preparation checkup today by calling the St. Peters office at (636) 928-1800 or the St. Louis office at (314) 291-2140. Visit the website for more information on the practice’s services.