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7 “Baby Making” Tips

By Dr. Machelle Seibel, OB/GYN and author of 11 books, over 200 scientific articles and past Editor in Chief of Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause

If you are thinking about having a baby, conception is easiest before age becomes an issue. Infertility carries a huge emotional toll on 1 in 6 couples in the United States and National Infertility Awareness Week is a good time to consider the latest facts and tips when you’re ready to have a baby so you have the best chances of conceiving.

After performing the first successful in-vitro fertilization procedure in Massachusetts, the third in the country, over 30 years ago, I have been very excited to see the tremendous advances we’ve made in helping so many couples have a baby who might otherwise not have been able to have one. But one thing hasn’t changed: the impact of age. It can take up to one year of unprotected intercourse for a couple to have a baby. The chances of a woman naturally having a baby after age 35 decline by about 50 percent, and decline by about 90 percent after age 40.

So, if you are under 35, see an infertility expert after one year of trying without success. If you’re 35 or more, see an infertility expert if you don’t conceive naturally within six months. If you’re over 38, be seen after 3 months of unsuccessful trying.

For any age, baby making takes time. Be patient. The book, HealthChequesTM: Journal Babies is your Personal Conception & Pregnancy Organizer, written for women who plan on becoming pregnant and learn about the entire pregnancy process from conception to delivery to maximize chances of conception and pinpoint the fertile days in the menstrual cycle. It also answers questions about fertility, conception, assisted conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. The month-by-month pregnancy calendar pages help women record and organize the details of the pregnancy experience such as keeping track of doctor’s appointments, special tests, and procedures. The organization it provides is very helpful.

Here are 7 simple things you might want to consider:

  1. Use Pre-Seed, the only FDA-cleared, clinically shown ‘Fertility-Friendly’ Lubricant that’s tailor made for couples trying to conceive. Developed by doctors and used by fertility clinics, its patented isotonic formula relieves dryness and provides sperm-safe The natural formula is balanced to match fertile cervical mucus, and does not harm sperm like other common lubricants. The applicator will help apply it near the cervix, where it combines with a woman’s natural cervical mucus to create the most favorable environment for sperm on their journey. Mimicking natural fertile fluids, it allows swimming sperm to move freely and its pH balanced to match fertile cervical mucus and the pH of sperm.
  2. Ask your doctor to recommend a good prenatal vitamin with calcium and lots of B6 when you first start to think about having a baby to increase your chances for a healthy outcome.
  3. Take an Omega-3 fish oil with increased amounts of DHA and EPA.
  4. Using an ovulation predictor to time intercourse.
  5. A digital thermometer is much faster and easier to use than a standard one for basal temperature measurements.
  6. Test your home for lead and other items that can be toxic to babies.
  7. Make time for relaxation to limit your stress; baby making takes time. Be patent and have fun.

 

 

 

 

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