Bump Up Your Chances of Conception with These Baby-Making Must-Haves

It’s often said babies are like speeches: easy to conceive but difficult to deliver. Given the number of people currently inhabiting the planet (approaching 8 billion worldwide), it certainly seems as though getting pregnant is as simple and straightforward as walking to the bus stop or making a bowl of cereal.

However, many couples trying to start families can confirm that conception isn’t always easy. For them, it almost seems like the more they want it, the harder it becomes to conceive.

While no magic medicine or life hack guarantees pregnancy, many things can be done to increase the chances of conception. Let’s take a look at seven baby-making must-haves:

Preconception care

Both partners have an obligation to each other to make preconception care a top priority. That means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and managing stress. Couples should also consider seeing the doctor to get advice on what can be done to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. A doctor may also be able to provide context by diagnosing preexisting conditions that make it difficult for couples to conceive, such as low sperm count.

Ovulation test strips

While it’s in most loving couples’ best interest to engage in sexual intercourse as often as possible, the realities of adulthood often mean limited opportunities for intimacy. Many couples trying to become pregnant will respond by taking a strategic approach to sex. They accomplish this by using ovulation test strips that help them determine the best times of the month to try and conceive. Since ovulation happens within a very limited window of time, couples need all the help they can get to know exactly when they should be getting busy.

Basal body thermometer

Another method of tracking ovulation involves the use of a basal body thermometer. This type of thermometer measures temperature in tenths of a degree. Since ovulation often results in a small dip in body temperature, routine basal body temperature readings can help couples predict when ovulation is about to happen.

Fertility tracking apps

The last weapon in the baby-making arsenal, fertility apps, are what they sound like; they’re apps that help women track their menstrual cycles and ovulation windows. These apps also provide personalized insights and advice based on your data, such as when to have sex to maximize your chances of conceiving.

Fertility supplements

Several vitamins and nutrients are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Many of them also help increase the chances of conception. With this in mind, consider taking fertility supplements shown to support reproductive function. Examples include folic acid and vitamin B12. Men can also use supplements to improve sperm count and sexual vitality, such as selenium and zinc. However, it’s important to consult your physician before starting any supplements.

Fertility supplements can provide essential nutrients that may support healthy reproductive function. For example, folate is an important nutrient for fetal development, while zinc and selenium are essential for male fertility. Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements to ensure they are safe for you and your partner.

Fertility lubricants

Couples trying to conceive are often encouraged to try specialized fertility lubricants. These sexual lubricants lack ingredients that may harm sperm while still adding moisture. While fertility lubricant doesn’t make you more fertile, it helps make sex more enjoyable without compromising the health of sperm as they travel through the cervix and towards the egg.

Positive attitude

Finally, it's essential to approach the process of trying to conceive with patience and positivity. It can take time, and there may be setbacks along the way. Remember to care for yourself and your partner, and try not to focus too much on the end goal. Try to enjoy the journey and take joy in the small victories along the way.

While it may seem like pregnancy is a straightforward process,  that’s not always the case for some couples. For them, conception proves elusive. The good news is there are many ways to increase the chances of conception. These baby-making must-haves help couples achieve their dream of becoming parents.