Trying to conceive is harder than most of us imagine it could be when we start out. We are led to believe from an early age that we simply need to have unprotected sex to make a baby, and it would be easy. But if you are reading this, you may well have already found out that’s really not the case for many people! What makes it even harder is that everyone’s fertility journey is unique, and there’s not a one size fits all approach to getting pregnant when it doesn’t happen as we first planned.
However, there are some common mistakes when trying to conceive that can hinder the chances of success. In this blog, we will discuss these mistakes and how to avoid them to help you on your TTC journey.
1. Comparing Your Journey to Others
One of the most common mistakes when trying to conceive is constantly comparing your journey to others. Remember, every couple has their own story, and what worked for someone else may not work for you. Fertility is complex and personal. It can be influenced by various factors. Comparisons can lead to unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy. Instead, focus on your own journey, celebrate small victories, and seek support from your partner, loved ones, or a support group (like the Hoopsy fertility community) to share your experiences.
2. Not Seeking Help
Another mistake couples make is hesitating to seek help when they face challenges in conceiving. If you’ve been trying for more than a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional specialising in fertility. They can provide guidance, perform tests, and identify any underlying issues that may be affecting your fertility. Remember, seeking help doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s a proactive step towards understanding and addressing any potential concerns.
3. Overlooking Nutrition and Lifestyle
Many couples underestimate the impact of nutrition and lifestyle choices on fertility. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help optimise your reproductive health. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, as they can negatively affect fertility. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important. Additionally, stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or counselling can help support your overall well-being and fertility journey.
4. Not Tracking Ovulation
Understanding your menstrual cycle and tracking ovulation is super important when trying to conceive. Many couples make the mistake of assuming that intercourse at any time during the month will lead to pregnancy. However, timing is everything. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before your next period. Various methods, such as tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, or using ovulation prediction kits, can help identify your fertile window. By being aware of your ovulation timing, you can maximise your chances of conception. Check out our awesome guide to ovulation right here.
5. Not Considering Sperm Health
Conception isn’t solely reliant on female fertility. Male factor infertility accounts for a significant percentage of couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving. Many couples overlook the importance of evaluating and optimising sperm health. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, heat exposure, and certain medications can affect sperm count and motility. If you’re experiencing difficulties conceiving, consider having your partner undergo a semen analysis to assess sperm health. Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive heat, can positively impact sperm quality.
Conclusion
Our journeys to parenthood are all different, and we need to make sure that we don’t waste any time comparing ourselves to others or not seeking help and making other mistakes when trying to conceive that have been highlighted. TTC is hard, but there are things you can do to try and increase your chances of falling pregnant. We hope you enjoyed this article, and don’t forget to check out the ttc section of our blog for more hints and tips to help you get pregnant!
