The baby-making process and getting pregnant is not easy and is more difficult than it sounds. A couple makes several mistakes that reduce their chances of getting pregnant. Don’t worry because we found 5 common baby-making mistakes that a couple makes.
- Having too little or too much Sex
This point may sound a bit confusing because of the heading but it’s not that difficult. Let me first explain the ‘too little’ part. You may think that preserving your sperm for the right moment or getting freaky only during ovulation may give you or your partner a better chance of getting pregnant. But it’s the other way round because studies have shown that couples who hit the sack 2-3 times a week have a better chance of conceiving than those who have sex only once. According to Dr. Samuel Wood, MD- one of the most common reasons for this happening is because of inaccurate prediction of the ovulation period.
Now for the ‘too much’ part, many of us might have a misconception that having more sex might give you a better chance for you or your partner to get knocked up. Well, it’s not always true. ‘Too much’ sex can potentially make your man dry due to frequent ejaculation. Having too much sex can also burn you out and make you feel tired so when the actual fertility window opens up, one of you might say- ‘babe, I’m just not feeling it tonight’ resulting in a misused egg.
- Not being aware of your fertile window
This window gives you the highest chance of getting pregnant, so knowing how to track the fertility window is extremely important. The fertile window opens two to three days before your ovulation cycle and you get this opportunity for only a week (more or less) every month. Whenever you ovulate, your body releases an egg that has a lifespan of only 12-24 hours to connect with the sperm in the fallopian tube for the fertilization process to begin. The ovulation process generally happens during the 12th and 14th day of your 28-day cycle, so having sex a couple of days prior may give you better chances.
But of course, not all women are created equally, some may have their fertility window as late as the 19th or 20th day and as early as the 8th or 9th. There are various ways through which you can track your ovulation cycle. Some of them include an ovulation predictor kit (tells you when you are most likely to ovulate), Basal temperature check (higher temperature in the mornings might indicate ovulation), examining cervical mucus (during ovulation period the cervix releases discharge, as sticky as mucus) and lastly the good old calendar method.
According to the Fertility Society of Australia, determining your monthly fertility window can assist you in pinpointing the most favorable time for sexual intercourse if you’re trying to conceive. A few days before ovulation, the vaginal mucus undergoes a noticeable change, becoming clear and slippery, resembling the texture of egg white. This environment is ideal for sperm to swim along, providing a better chance for successful conception.
- Don’t wait too long for a checkup
If you are a couple above 35 years of age and still couldn’t manage to get pregnant even after having unprotected sex for six months and above, then you must consult your doctor as soon as possible to make sure you are off the hook. The reason it’s not recommended to wait longer just because when a woman takes birth she is born with a certain number of eggs that will be available to her in her lifetime. Those eggs start decreasing both in quality and quantity as the woman starts to age.
According to a survey done by ‘Better Health channel,’ it is found that a female typically in her early twenties has a 25-30 percent chance of getting pregnant every month but that number decreases drastically for women in their late thirties and early forties, which is just about 5% every month. But if you are in your late thirties don’t worry just yet, you can still increase the chance of conceiving slightly if you can manage to use eggs donated by a younger female. Similar things happen to men also, the only difference is that as they tend to age there is a significant decrease in testosterone production which results in lower sperm count and that too might create a problem.
- Not leading a healthy lifestyle
Time and again it is seen when couples are not being able to get pregnant most of them tend to think that there is something wrong with their reproductive health. And suddenly it becomes all about sperm count, ovaries, cervical mucus, and getting freaky in bed. But most often than not they tend to forget or discredit the importance of their overall health. Being physically fit and active is extremely important especially for women. This is because pregnancy is a long and hectic process and takes a massive toll on your body so if you are not strong and healthy both physically and psychologically it may result in miscarriages and stillbirth like complications which will put both you and your baby’s life at risk.
As stated by Ohio Reproductive Medicine, fertility is influenced by certain essential factors for both women and men. These factors include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and adopting a diet that promotes the ability to conceive and achieve pregnancy. Weight extremes have been identified as a significant factor in infertility, with approximately 30% of infertility cases linked to weight-related issues. In particular, infertility rates are three times higher in obese women, underscoring the importance of a healthy weight in fertility outcomes.
One of the most simple and obvious things you can do to improve your well being is to follow a proper diet and exercise routine. Research has shown that couples who regularly engage themselves in physical activities which require low to moderate intensity have a better chance of procreation than their not so active counterparts.
- Position and Lubrication
When it comes to baby-making, the majority of the couples consider the missionary position as the holy grail of sex positions. But the reality is sex positions hardly matters. Whether you are in the missionary position or some crazy upside-down hanging position it doesn’t really cause any problems as long as the sperm can reach the egg. It is because when a man ejaculates inside the vagina, the sperm swims straight up into the cervical mucus and then into the fallopian tubes within seconds where it starts to get fertilized right after joining the egg. So try and spice things up otherwise you will start to get bored and feel like it’s just a chore.
One of the problems that arise during baby-making sessions especially if you are sticking with the same position or you are on fertility medications, is that the woman might not get wet easily. This situation often leads to the use of lubricants which makes it more enjoyable for both parties. But one thing about lubricants is that these are generally not created for improving fertility and picking the wrong kinds of lube may endanger your success of conception. So make sure that the lube you’re using is fertility-friendly.
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- Wrong timing
Pregnancy only happens when the woman is ovulating. So you need to know this window and how to engage in sex during the period.
But like everything else, ovulation isn’t always exact. There are months when a woman’s menstrual cycle is longer than other months.
Still, you must understand this cycle to avoid making mistakes while seeking to have a baby.
For those women who don’t understand their days, you could help them by using the ovulation prediction tracker app online.
Once you understand this cycle, experts recommend having sex every alternating day. During sex, ensure that you ejaculate before withdrawing.
But daily ejaculation during the ovulation phase may low sperm quality. Your testicle needs about two days to add more mature eggs to the basket, ensuring that your fertility is high.
The correct timing to have a baby is having sex every other day a week before and after the predicted ovulation day. Sperm can remain active in the vagina for up to five days.
- Know your risk factors
To make a woman pregnant, you must have healthy sperm. But not every man has good semen.
Still, even though you are healthy, you may have temporary issues impacting your sperm quality. Still, you may be suffering from congenital reproductive complications.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, age is a crucial factor influencing fertility, especially for women in their late 30s or 40s, whereas men tend to experience a decline in fertility closer to the age of 50. Additionally, certain factors can have adverse effects on fertility for both men and women, including eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals, lead, and pesticides, as well as over-exercising.
Hence knowing factors affecting your fertility is one way of avoiding baby-making mistakes. You may wonder what these risks are.
Well, they include all infections and accidents that could have impacted your penis performance,
They might include STIs and other pelvis medical interventions that may have rendered testosterone production difficult.
Still, you need to check on other sicknesses that are unrelated to your sexuality but have a direct bearing on your fertility level. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart-related issues could prevent you from impregnating a woman.
You may be unsure of the influence of these issues. So, seek medical advice on how to mitigate these risks and enjoy a stress-free baby-making effort.
In conclusion, we have discussed five common baby-making mistakes that every couple unknowingly makes. We hope reading and comprehending these mistakes can help you identify your issue, and you can avoid those mistakes in the future.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are The 4 Main Pregnancy Complications?
Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement for many expecting mothers, but it can also bring with it a variety of physical and emotional changes. Unfortunately, pregnancy can also result in a number of complications that can have serious implications for both the mother and the unborn child. While many pregnancies progress without any major issues, it is important to familiarize oneself with the four main pregnancy complications in order to prepare for the possibility of them occurring.
The first of the four main pregnancy complications is preterm labor. Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before a pregnancy has reached its full term, which is typically 37 to 42 weeks gestation. Preterm labor can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infection, uterine abnormalities, or previous history of preterm labor. If preterm labor occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as preterm labor can lead to a variety of health complications for both mother and baby.
The second of the four main pregnancy complications is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that is characterized by high blood pressure and an excessive amount of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation and can have serious implications if left untreated. Symptoms of preeclampsia include swelling in the hands and feet, sudden weight gain, and headache. If untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious health complications, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
The third of the four main pregnancy complications is gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the body has difficulty utilizing insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can lead to a variety of health complications, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms, which include excessive thirst, increased urination, and blurred vision.
The fourth and final of the four main pregnancy complications is placental abruption. Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall, resulting in heavy bleeding and potential life-threatening complications. Placental abruption typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy and is considered an emergency medical situation. Symptoms of placental abruption include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and decreased fetal movement.
In conclusion, pregnancy can bring with it a number of physical and emotional changes, and it is important to be aware of the four main pregnancy complications in order to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy. Preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placental abruption are all serious conditions that can have potentially life-threatening implications for both the mother and the unborn child. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of the symptoms associated with these conditions are present in order to ensure the health of the mother and baby.
