How To Get Pregnant Naturally & Tips To Conceive

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to getting pregnant naturally?

If you're in your 25-40s and the baby whisperer inside you is getting louder, you've come to the right place!

We at Arva decided to compile all the resources you need to know about pregnancy, how the sperm and egg matter, how to identify your prime baby-making days, and simple tips to boost your chances of conception.

So, grab a cup of coffee as we explore this topic step by step.

Read on!

How does pregnancy work?

Natural pregnancy is a remarkable journey until the sperm meets the egg. Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Ovulation: During your menstrual cycle, typically around day 14 (but can vary), an ovary releases a mature egg. This egg travels down the fallopian tube, a pathway connecting the ovary to the uterus.

2. Sperm journey: Around the time of ovulation, healthy sperm from your partner enters the vagina during intercourse. These sperm travel through the cervix, the opening of the uterus, and then swim up the fallopian tube.

3. Fertilization: If a sperm reaches the egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs. This creates a fertilized egg, now called an embryo.

4. Implantation: The fertilized embryo takes a few days traveling down the fallopian tube and enters the uterus. It then implants itself into the lining of the uterus, where it will grow and develop into a baby.

5. Pregnancy: If implantation is successful, hormonal changes occur in your body to support the developing embryo and fetus throughout pregnancy.

How do I know if I’m ovulating?

Getting pregnant happens during your fertility window, when ovulation happens.

Understanding your ovulation cycle is crucial for maximizing your chances of natural conception. Here are some ways to identify your fertile window:

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Track your waking body temperature each morning. A slight rise in temperature (around 0.5°F) can indicate ovulation has occurred.

2. Cervical Mucus: Throughout your cycle, the consistency and amount of cervical mucus changes. Around ovulation, it becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, resembling egg white – ideal for sperm travel.

3. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These home tests detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which typically precedes ovulation by 1-2 days.

4. Ovulation Calendar Apps: Mobile apps can track your menstrual cycle and predict your fertile window based on the information you enter. These can be a helpful tool, but may not be as precise as BBT or OPKs.

5. Cervical Position: Some women experience a higher and softer cervix around ovulation. However, this method is less reliable and requires familiarity with your body's changes throughout the cycle.

Knowing these can help understand your fertility window and time those baby making sessions accordingly!🤱🏻

What are some tips to get pregnant naturally?

Creating an optimal environment for fertilizaton isn’t just about your fertile window, but also about other options that you have control over. Here are some tips that can help boost your chances of pregnancy, naturally:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can disrupt ovulation. Aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2. Prioritize a balanced diet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to provide your body with the essential nutrients for healthy egg and sperm production.

3. Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact ovulation. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial.

4. Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can affect fertility in both men and women.

5. Quit smoking: Smoking significantly reduces fertility for both partners. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful ways to improve your chances of conception.

6. Consider prenatal vitamins: Start taking prenatal vitamins, which contain folic acid and other essential nutrients, at least 3 months before conception to support a healthy pregnancy.

Does lubricant help with getting pregnant?

While the natural lubrication produced by your body is ideal for sperm motility during intercourse, sometimes additional lubrication is necessary for comfort.

However, traditional lubricants can contain ingredients that create a hidden barrier for sperm, hindering their journey to the egg.

Here's why lubricant choice matters for natural conception:

• Traditional lubricants and sperm motility: Many conventional lubricants contain ingredients like spermicide, specifically designed to kill sperm. Additionally, some lubricants have a high pH level, which can create an acidic environment that sperm struggle to swim through. This significantly reduces the chances of fertilization.

So, when you’re trying to conceive, it’s always best to go for:

• Fertility-friendly lubricants: Fortunately, there are lubricants formulated specifically to support sperm health and motility. These lubricants are:

  • Sperm-safe: They are free of spermicide and other ingredients that harm sperm.

  • pH-balanced: They have a pH level close to that of healthy vaginal fluids (around pH 3.8-5.0), creating a sperm-friendly environment.

  • Long-lasting moisture: They provide long-lasting lubrication without being sticky or irritating.

Additional tips for choosing the right fertility lubricant📔

Look for lubricants labeled as "sperm-friendly" or "fertility-friendly." Some additional tips include:

• Read the ingredients: Avoid any lubricants containing spermicide, nonoxynol-9, or harsh chemicals.

• Consider consistency: Choose a lubricant with a consistency that feels comfortable for you. Gels or liquids are generally preferred over thicker creams for sperm motility.

• Water-based vs. oil-based: While both water-based and oil-based lubricants can be sperm-friendly, water-based lubricants are generally less irritating and easier to clean up.

How do I know if I’m pregnant?

While a missed period is the most common early sign of pregnancy, some women may experience:

• Breast tenderness

• Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)

• Fatigue

• Frequent urination

• Mood swings

• Food cravings or aversions

An at-home pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy, and if you’re still unsure, there’s nothing that beats a blood test for pregnancy at the doctor’s!

Arva: supporting your fertility journey

The desire to build a family is a deeply personal one, and the journey towards parenthood can be filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes even uncertainty.

At Arva, we understand these emotions and are committed to providing you with the knowledge and personalized support you need at every step.

From our fertility test to our network of gynaecologists pan-India, we connect you with the right specialists who can address your specific concerns, and collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Our team is always here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and support you in achieving your family-building goals.

Remember, you’re not alone in this!