For heterosexual couples practising to make a baby, it's not uncommon for the intimacy and spontaneity of sex to simply disappear, paving way to timed
and obligatory sex. Real sexy.
Feeling like the intimacy has gone and a baby isn't even in the picture yet? You're not alone, with women reporting the stress around getting pregnant has significant impacts on relationships, at alarmingly high rates. Knowing how to best utilise our physiology here can allow for a more relaxed approach to conception, and provide awareness of our body in the process. . So let's get down to business and talk about sex, baby. After all, it's one big way to make a baby.
Know your menstrual cycle and your fertile period
Knowing your menstrual cycle intimately is a helpful tool when approaching conception. Mostly because this awareness helps to determine the best time to have sex in your cycle. A typical cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days, with ovulation occurring roughly in the middle of the cycle. Ovulation is the process by which the ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised by sperm. By tracking your menstrual cycle, you can determine when you are most likely to ovulate and plan to have sex during this time.
When in my cycle am I most likely to fall pregnant?
The fertile period is the time of your cycle when you're most likely to get pregnant. It includes the days leading up to ovulation, as well as the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for up to five days, so having sex in the days leading up to ovulation can increase the chances of fertilisation. There are several methods for predicting ovulation, including tracking basal body temperature, monitoring changes in cervical mucus, and using ovulation predictor kits.
Is the missionary position recommended for conception?
While there is no one "best" sexual position for getting pregnant, the missionary position is often recommended because it allows for deeper penetration and can help sperm travel closer to the cervix. However, it is important to remember that the most important factor for getting pregnant is having regular sexual intercourse during the fertile period, regardless of the position used.
How regularly should I have sex?
It's important to have sex regularly in order to increase the chances of getting pregnant. While there is no magic number for how often you should have sex, it is generally recommended to have sex every two to three days throughout the menstrual cycle. This ensures that there is a constant supply of sperm available to fertilise the egg.
How healthy do I need to be to fall pregnant?
In addition to having regular sexual intercourse, it's important to take care of your health in order to increase the chances of getting pregnant. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. It's also important to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs, as these can all negatively impact fertility.
While there's no surefire way to get pregnant, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of conceiving. By understanding your menstrual cycle, having sex during your fertile period, using the missionary position, having sex regularly, and taking care of your health, you can maximise your chances of getting pregnant through sexual intercourse. Note, timed sex can feel stressful. If it feels like this just isn't enough, time a talk with your health care practitioner too.