Getting Pregnant: How Long Does It Usually Take?
If getting pregnant is on your agenda, you’re probably hoping to get a positive pregnancy test result after the first try. Many of us know women who were able to conceive within the first few weeks of trying. However, it can take up to a year for the average woman under the age of 35 to conceive.
If you happen to fall into this category, it is important to not get discouraged. As well as talking with your doctor, there are a few other things that you can do to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
How long does it take most couples to get pregnant?
Statistics show that approximately 25 percent of couples are able to conceive within the first month, and 50 percent will conceive by the end of six months. After a year of trying to conceive, 85 to 90 percent of couples should be successful. This means that around 10 to 15 percent of couples will not be able to conceive within one year. If you’re over 35, consider seeing a fertility specialist after six months of trying.
How can I increase my chances of conceiving?
Check your ovulation and fertile time. You should start having intercourse a few days before your predicted ovulation date. Avoid using lubricant and try to remain horizontal for up to 30 minutes after intercourse.
You can also increase the likelihood of conception by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin. A supplement that contains lots of folic acid is especially important because it is essential for early fetal development.
What should I do if I can’t get pregnant?
If you have been trying for more a one year, you should consult with your doctor and a fertility specialist. They will be able to conduct tests on you and your partner to determine the cause. Once the cause has been established, your doctor can suggest a method of treatment. The most common fertility treatments include fertility drugs, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-uterine insemination and hormone therapy, and adoption and fostering is also an option.
There are many factors that may lead to infertility in men or women. Thyroid problems, cancer, imbalanced hormones, previous cases of the mumps, low sperm count, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome and other conditions can significantly lower your chances of getting pregnant. Fortunately, the majority of these conditions can be treated by a fertility specialist. However, many of the treatment methods can be quite expensive and take years.
Remember, you’re not alone. Try not to get stressed or discouraged, and talk to your partner and family about the next course of action. You’ll find many online forums as well to help with your next steps.
How long did it take you to conceive?
