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When I got pregnant with my first son we had been trying to conceive for around 15 months since we lost our angel baby to a missed miscarriage. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I got a positive pregnancy test (and other fun pregnancy signs like a crazy temper) on September 22, 2005. I was also completely terrified of having another miscarriage. And I stayed worried until my son was safe and sound in my arms at home.
However, getting to that pregnant point wasn't easy. Some people think as soon as they decide to begin trying for a baby that they will instantly become pregnant. Sadly, this is not really the case for most people. Did you know that there is only about a 25% chance of conceiving each cycle?
The quickest way to get pregnant is to cover all of your bases. I did not get pregnant within a year of actively trying. By actively, trying I mean I did the works:
Examine Your Cervical Mucus
One thing that you can check to see if you are fertile is your cervical fluid. Yes, I know this sounds gross already but when you are desperate you’ll do almost anything. During your monthly cycle, your cervical fluid changes its consistency quite a bit. I noticed that shortly after your period ends the fluid has a sticky consistency, then changes to a cream like texture, and as you are getting closer to ovulation it has almost an egg whites quality to it.
When you are getting ready to tinkle take a quick wipe with toilet paper (before you go #1) and check the consistency of your discharge. If the fluid is clear and similar to egg whites you are nearing ovulation.
You can also take a more in-depth look and use your fingers to gather some fluid. Are you scrunching up your nose in disgust yet? Really, it isn’t so bad! I think it is easier to tell if the fluid is an egg whites consistency if you grab some between your fingers and give it a stretch. The further the fluid stretches the more likely you are fertile.
Take Your Basal Body Temperature
When you fall asleep at night your temperature drops. This is called your basal body temperature. However, ovulation causes your basal body temperature to rise (usually by at least .4-.6). Charting your BBT will help you know when you have already ovulated (not before). So say you are charting along and one day your temperatures increase and stay increased. This probably means you have ovulated.
The best way to record your basal body temperature is to lay out a basal body thermometer, a piece of paper, and a pen next to your bed at night. Then each morning wake up at the same time (set an alarm if you have to) and as soon as you wake up take your temperature. Do not move around a lot or get out of bed or think too hard (just kidding)-just slowly reach over, grab the thermometer, and stick it in your mouth. Write down whatever temperature shows up. If you do this for a few cycles you will begin to see a pattern of when you ovulate. This pattern will let you know when you should be “getting down to business” in the future.
Check Your Cervix Position
Okay, let me be honest here. I tried and tried to check my cervix position when I was trying to conceive but I never could tell what I should be feeling for. It’s like feeling around in one of those boxes at children’s museums where you are supposed to guess what’s in the box. Let’s just say I failed that test! They say when your cervix is high, open, and soft (often described as feeling like your lips) you are considered the most fertile. Stick in your fingers and give it a whirl, maybe you will have better luck at feeling the differences than I did.
To maximize your chances of getting pregnant each cycle you need to know when you ovulate. One of the ways to do this is to take an ovulation predictor kit. These tests measure the LH hormone that surges 24-36 hours before ovulation. So when you receive a positive OPK this is the time to start baby making.
OPK's can be quite expensive costing from $15 to over $45 for digital tests. I never wanted to spend this much so I always went for the cheapest ovulation tests I could find which were ovulation test strips. You can get a lot of these tests for cheap which is great since I often used 10 or more per cycle.
When I did get a positive ovulation test I kept taking the tests every day till they became negative. I usually had about 2 (occasionally one or three days) days of positive tests which I would jump my husband on all of those days as well as the day I got the first negative. I was also charting my BBT at the same as taking these tests and I noticed I usually ovulated on the second positive test or the first negative.
Still Not Getting Pregnant?
Even after doing all of these things for a year I still wasn't pregnant. We decided it was time to see a fertility doctor. They ran tests both on me and my husband and the consensus was everything was fine for the “most part”. We learned that my husband's “swimmers” were getting stuck and couldn't reach their target. To counteract this we tried 3 months of Clomid and inseminations. They all failed. The next step was to go to injectable fertility medications as well as the insemination. This did the trick and today we have a healthy 10-year-old son.
I wish I hadn't had to jump through so many hoops. Luckily, people that are trying to conceive today can try things like the Stork OTC home conception kit. It is an over the counter home conception kit using cervical cap insemination. If you know anything about doctor office inseminations they aren't cheap. This gives couples a financially friendly conception aid they can use at home. Not to mention, drug-free (those aren't cheap either!). Stork OTC can be purchased at Walgreens and CVS and it is located in the family planning section next to ovulation test kits!
You use a condom-like sheath with a cervical cap to collect the sperm during intercourse. Then you use a unique applicator to place the cap at the cervix. They have found the Stork OTC can deliver a 3.23x higher value of sperm concentration at the cervix than natural intercourse can. I wish this was available when I was trying to conceive! It could have saved us so much time, money, and energy.
Be sure to join us for the upcoming Twitter party and share your journey with us. We'd love to hear from you!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
I never realized the things you stated above. I’ve suffered through one miscarriage but thankfully was able to conceive afterwards. I have a friend that is currently trying to conceive so I’m sharing this with her.
I’m sorry you had to go through that but I am thankful you were able to conceive again which I feel helps mend the emotional aspect of losing. I hope this helps her!
I really had no idea so many others struggled with it until I found out I did. You think everyone has it easy until you don’t, then reality comes crashing in.
These are such great tips for getting pregnant! I don’t think we will be trying for a baby for at least a year but when the time comes I will definitely keep these in mind. Thanks for sharing!
I can understand how you must have felt after the miscarriage. I would have been scared too. I am glad to know that you had a perfectly normal pregnancy.
Thank you so much! Yes, the miscarriage was very difficult and it left a scar but having another one after so much hard work, it helped mend the emotional hole.
These kinds of tests weren’t available when I was TTC. It’s amazing what has come on the market to help moms-to-be conceive quicker and make the whole process less stressful!
I’m with you! It’s amazing what technology and science provides these days. And to think, they’re far more advanced than that, they just haven’t released it yet!
I’m not trying to get pregnant at the moment but this is such a good resource for those who need it! Going to share with my friends, I can see it really helping someone – thank you x
Isn’t it crazy that pretty much every one of us can think of someone who could use this help? Just goes to show how much of a need there was for such a great item! I hope your friends find it useful!
I don’t think there is any quickest way to get pregnant. As someone who has been pregnant seven times, every time can be 50/50. It depends on so many more things than cervical mucus.
Wow there’s so much to look at. Our family has been blessed with getting pregnant quickly. However my cousin had a really hard time. She had to do all of this to get pregnant with her first.
Bless her heart. It can be especially overwhelming if it’s your first. A lot of new things to learn that seem to come easier after the first one. I’m so happy that you haven’t had to deal with that issue though!!
Thank you for sharing! These tips are so practical and doable! We got pregnant with our first so easily that I thought that it would be the same with the next one. Not so much!
I’m glad you found them useful! I have been surprised to learn how many women don’t know how easy it is to help themselves through the process. Oh goodness, I hear you on that one!
It feels like there’s a lot to getting pregnant! However, that’s why this product is so amazing, it kind of takes those difficult steps and sums them up into one step.
Thanks so much for sharing i’ve been TTC for 4 years with no luck yet. I’m thinking there is a good chance adoption is going to be my only option however I may try a few of these tips
Don’t give up! Just when you think all hope is lost, that’s when miracles occur. However, adopting isn’t a bad thing at all! There are many kids out there who need a home!
Yep yep yep. I was eventually successful with Clomid and Glucophage together, since I have PCOS. So glad you, too, were successful!! It is all so stressful when you’re on the other side wondering if you’ll ever get pregnant.
I imagine it must be very difficult for women who have a hard time getting pregnant. I haven’t had a baby yet (well, I haven’t gotten married yet), but if I have a hard time, I’ll definitely use these tips!
haha! No worries, you’re not alone. Many women make the choice to steer clear of pregnancy. I have a friend who’s around 30 and married and she is nowhere near ready to take it on. She said she has too much adventure left in her bones haha
Isn’t it funny what we’ll do when trying to get pregnant? It’s so hard after a loss (I’ve had 3 miscarriages) or when it takes months or even years to get pregnant. This was a great and helpful article and so many will benefit from it. Thanks for sharing.
Bless your heart. Miscarriages are so difficult. Many people have said that it shouldn’t be any big deal if they were only a couple months along but the attachment there is unexplainable if its never been experienced.
Wow!I had no idea that at home kits like this existed. I’ve seen so many of my friends struggle with fertility, so it’s great that budget friendly options exist!
A friend of mine has been trying to have a baby for a while and I know has done some of these tests – I’ll definitely pass it on to her and hope that it helps!
It’s the most awkward when someone who has no idea, tries to talk to you about it. They always get these looks on their face and you just want to crawl under a rock haha
some really interesting tips and definitely useful for those who might have difficulty! I hadn’t thought about some of these – we have been blessed without pregnancy problems
Our stories are so similar but Clomid did work for me on the third try. I did all the details you mentioned above and you are right, it seems yucky to talk about it to others, but it seemed just fine to do it for me!
I used to be shy if somebody asked me about details but I’m not anymore. It feels like the “yucky” part was important to the journey so it’s hard to leave it out. So glad you all were able to have your miracle!
We never had any trouble conceiving, but we did experience a miscarriage that was pretty devastating because we were 12 weeks along at that point. This sounds like a great resource for women who need that extra help.
Bless your heart, I would never wish that on anyone. It’s very tough to go through. I agree, I believe the Stork changes a lot as far as helping women afford to take things a step further.
I can see this really helping people. I personally never had a problem getting pregnant super quick, but i have a few friends who had to try much harder and much longer
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Sweat with the Kids: 4 Family Friendly Workouts
Hi there, thank you for sharing these amazing tips and useful advice. Keep sharing !!
I never realized the things you stated above. I’ve suffered through one miscarriage but thankfully was able to conceive afterwards. I have a friend that is currently trying to conceive so I’m sharing this with her.
I’m sorry you had to go through that but I am thankful you were able to conceive again which I feel helps mend the emotional aspect of losing. I hope this helps her!
For so many people having a baby does not come easily. It is great that you have opened up discussion.
I really had no idea so many others struggled with it until I found out I did. You think everyone has it easy until you don’t, then reality comes crashing in.
These are such great tips for getting pregnant! I don’t think we will be trying for a baby for at least a year but when the time comes I will definitely keep these in mind. Thanks for sharing!
I have a friend who is waiting as well. It’s wonderful when people are honest with themselves on whether or not they’re ready to try. Good luck!
I can understand how you must have felt after the miscarriage. I would have been scared too. I am glad to know that you had a perfectly normal pregnancy.
Thank you so much! Yes, the miscarriage was very difficult and it left a scar but having another one after so much hard work, it helped mend the emotional hole.
These kinds of tests weren’t available when I was TTC. It’s amazing what has come on the market to help moms-to-be conceive quicker and make the whole process less stressful!
I’m with you! It’s amazing what technology and science provides these days. And to think, they’re far more advanced than that, they just haven’t released it yet!
I’m not trying to get pregnant at the moment but this is such a good resource for those who need it! Going to share with my friends, I can see it really helping someone – thank you x
Isn’t it crazy that pretty much every one of us can think of someone who could use this help? Just goes to show how much of a need there was for such a great item! I hope your friends find it useful!
I don’t think there is any quickest way to get pregnant. As someone who has been pregnant seven times, every time can be 50/50. It depends on so many more things than cervical mucus.
You’re right, it’s definitely not a quick process. It’s very meticulous and lengthy but well worth it which I’m sure you know with your 7 pregnancies!
Wow there’s so much to look at. Our family has been blessed with getting pregnant quickly. However my cousin had a really hard time. She had to do all of this to get pregnant with her first.
Bless her heart. It can be especially overwhelming if it’s your first. A lot of new things to learn that seem to come easier after the first one. I’m so happy that you haven’t had to deal with that issue though!!
Thank you for sharing! These tips are so practical and doable! We got pregnant with our first so easily that I thought that it would be the same with the next one. Not so much!
I’m glad you found them useful! I have been surprised to learn how many women don’t know how easy it is to help themselves through the process. Oh goodness, I hear you on that one!
There can be a lot in getting pregnant. Great advice for those who need to be more prepared.
It feels like there’s a lot to getting pregnant! However, that’s why this product is so amazing, it kind of takes those difficult steps and sums them up into one step.
Thanks so much for sharing i’ve been TTC for 4 years with no luck yet. I’m thinking there is a good chance adoption is going to be my only option however I may try a few of these tips
Don’t give up! Just when you think all hope is lost, that’s when miracles occur. However, adopting isn’t a bad thing at all! There are many kids out there who need a home!
These are some great tips! I was one of those people who got pregnant the second I wanted to. Literally the very next month bam! Lol
You have the loins of a goddess then! haha 😉 I’m glad it’s been so easy for you!
Yep yep yep. I was eventually successful with Clomid and Glucophage together, since I have PCOS. So glad you, too, were successful!! It is all so stressful when you’re on the other side wondering if you’ll ever get pregnant.
You’re too right, it’s very stressful. I have a close friend with the same condition. She still has had no luck. So glad you found your miracle!
I imagine it must be very difficult for women who have a hard time getting pregnant. I haven’t had a baby yet (well, I haven’t gotten married yet), but if I have a hard time, I’ll definitely use these tips!
Well, I pray you don’t have a difficult time having a little one. It’s not easy to go through and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Good luck!
Oh boy. I seem to be the minority here, I’ve spent my life trying to NOT get pregnant lol!
haha! No worries, you’re not alone. Many women make the choice to steer clear of pregnancy. I have a friend who’s around 30 and married and she is nowhere near ready to take it on. She said she has too much adventure left in her bones haha
Isn’t it funny what we’ll do when trying to get pregnant? It’s so hard after a loss (I’ve had 3 miscarriages) or when it takes months or even years to get pregnant. This was a great and helpful article and so many will benefit from it. Thanks for sharing.
Bless your heart. Miscarriages are so difficult. Many people have said that it shouldn’t be any big deal if they were only a couple months along but the attachment there is unexplainable if its never been experienced.
I’m really glad they have products like this out there. Trying to conceive can be really stressful to some couples!
It really can. I can say that because I’ve been through it. I just hope that this info will help others take a little stress off the process.
Wow!I had no idea that at home kits like this existed. I’ve seen so many of my friends struggle with fertility, so it’s great that budget friendly options exist!
No kidding! It’s so pricey which is why many people lose hope if they can’t do it naturally.
A friend of mine has been trying to have a baby for a while and I know has done some of these tests – I’ll definitely pass it on to her and hope that it helps!
Feel free to let us know if your friend DOES try it and how how it worked out for her. I love supporting others in their progress!
These all sounds like great way to get pregnant and to see when you are ready to get pregnant! Thanks for the tips!
I’m glad you found them useful! Anything to enhance the odds!
Sometime you can be so anxious to get pregnant and it can be so awkward to talk about thanks for sharing.
It’s the most awkward when someone who has no idea, tries to talk to you about it. They always get these looks on their face and you just want to crawl under a rock haha
I’m a lesbian who will be needing this information very soon. I want to try using the stork before involving anything else.
What a great way to use the Stork! It’s definitely a more cost-friendly option in situations like that!
some really interesting tips and definitely useful for those who might have difficulty! I hadn’t thought about some of these – we have been blessed without pregnancy problems
I love that you see it as a blessing! Many who have it easy getting pregnant tend to forget how amazing that ability truly is!
Our stories are so similar but Clomid did work for me on the third try. I did all the details you mentioned above and you are right, it seems yucky to talk about it to others, but it seemed just fine to do it for me!
I used to be shy if somebody asked me about details but I’m not anymore. It feels like the “yucky” part was important to the journey so it’s hard to leave it out. So glad you all were able to have your miracle!
So much goes into having a baby and the medical part alone can be overwhelming. You have so many helpful tips here to support moms to be!
The medical part was definitely overwhelming which is why it’s so wonderful to have a doctor who is great and patient at explaining things.
We never had any trouble conceiving, but we did experience a miscarriage that was pretty devastating because we were 12 weeks along at that point. This sounds like a great resource for women who need that extra help.
Bless your heart, I would never wish that on anyone. It’s very tough to go through. I agree, I believe the Stork changes a lot as far as helping women afford to take things a step further.
I can see this really helping people. I personally never had a problem getting pregnant super quick, but i have a few friends who had to try much harder and much longer
You are blessed! I have a friend who definitely had it harder than me and still has had no luck. The feeling is horrible.