What can you do to increase your chances of pregnancy?

Answer 1

AnswerYour chances of getting pregnant vary depending on the day of your menstrual cycle; the few days before and after the day of ovulation are the best time for you to plan baby-making intercourse if you are trying to get pregnant. This is why accurately identifying when you are ovulating can significantly increase your chances of getting pregnant. Studies show that couples who have sexual intercourse during their most fertile days every month for 6 months have an 80% chance of getting pregnant during this time. Of the one-in-five (20%) couples who have not achieved pregnancy after 6 months, half will manage to conceive after another 6 months.

However, there are a number of factors that may affect your chances of getting pregnant:

• The sperm might not be able to reach the uterus: this may occur if the sperm are not motile enough, the cervical mucus is too hostile, or if your Fallopian tubes are blocked. If you are worried about any of these issues, your doctor will be able to advise you on the most appropriate test to take.
• The sperm and the egg may not meet at the right time. Getting pregnant really is all about timing intercourse! Therefore, closely monitoring your ovulation can help you to ensure that you maximise your chances of getting pregnant.
• The embryo may not be successfully implanted. This may be due to a number of factors - your doctor will be able to advise you on the most appropriate test to take if you are experiencing repeated miscarriages.

All of these factors mean that the chances of getting pregnant each menstrual cycle are slim, which is why it usually takes a few months to conceive.