Help to Become Pregnant - 7 Ways to Help Get Pregnant

With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year. Others need a bit of help - help to become pregnant. Are you frustrated that you are not pregnant yet? Especially when it seems like getting pregnant is easy for everyone else but you?

Things to help get pregnant:

1. Have sex regularly.

If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.

2. Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation.

Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.

3. Foods to help get pregnant.

Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.

4. Consider preconception planning.

Your doctor can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.

5. Vitamins help to get pregnant.

Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. Taking a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning at least one month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects by up to 70 percent.

6. Quit smoking and do not drink alcohol!

Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.

Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant - or hope to be.

7. Certain medications and pills - even those available without a prescription - can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you are pregnant.