What to do When You’re Trying to Conceive
It can be a really exciting time when you decide you’re ready to try for a baby. Your time can be filled with hope, questions, and also fear and uncertainty. Whether you’ve just made the decision or have been trying for a while, understanding the steps that will support conception can make you feel empowered, and can also help you manage your expectations. At The Surrey Park Clinic, we regularly speaxk with individuals and couples who are just setting out on their journey towards parenthood. Read on for guidance and advice on preparing for pregnancy, and some signposting to professional fertility support if you should need it.
Start With Your Health – Prepare Your Body for Conception
One of the most important early steps is to take a close look at your overall health. Fertility is influenced by many different uncontrollable factors – genetics, hormones, and age – but there are things that you can control.
Take folic acid or prenatal vitamins
The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from the moment you start trying for a baby until at least 12 weeks into pregnancy. There are other supplement that can be taken which include vitamins D, B12, iodine, and iron – particularly beneficial if you eat a plant based diet or are prone to deficiencies.
Check your lifestyle
Small changes can make a big difference:
- Nutrition – A balanced diet which includes a range of whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and green vegetables will support hormone balance and egg quality.
- Exercise – Aim for regular, gentle to moderate exercise. Too much can affect ovulation, as can too little.
- Sleep – Decent, uninterrupted sleep can help regulate the hormones needed for reproduction.
- Smoking/alcohol/caffeine – Smoking has a negative effect of male and female fertility and reducing alcohol and caffeine can help create a more conception-friendly environment.
Your menstrual cycle
If you are to maximise your chances of conceiving, then it’s important to understand your menstrual cycle. Most people ovulate around 12-16 days before their next period, but cycles can vary.
You can use ovulation predictor kits, tracking apps, and basal body temperature charts if your cycle is irregular or difficult to plot.
Don’t Forget About Male Fertility
It’s a common assumption that fertility challenges lay primarily with women. The reality is that 40% of fertility issues in fact lie with men. You can support male fertility by asking them to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce heat exposure to the testes
- Limit alcohol intake, and avoid smoking
- Manage stress and prioritise sleep
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and leafy greens)
A semen analysis is a simple test that can provide clarity and insight early in the process.
Beyond Lifestyle – Understanding Fertility Assessments
Most couples generally conceive within 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. But if you’re over 35, and have a known medical condition (such as PCOS or endometriosis), or have been trying for six months without success, it may be time to look for professional intervention.
At The Surrey Park Clinic, fertility assessments are tailored to help you understand what might be happening behind the scenes. A typical initial assessment may include:
Hormonal testing to assess ovulation
AMH testing to evaluate ovarian reserve
Ultrasound scans to look at reproductive anatomy
Semen analysis for partners
These tests provide a clearer picture of your fertility, helping you make choices about the next steps to take, and whether you need to explore fertility treatments.
The Emotional Side
Trying for a baby can sometimes be more exhausting for the emotions than the body. Many people feel hopeful one minute, and anxious the next. These feelings are normal, and there are some strategies to help with your mental wellbeing.
Open communication – having a frank discussion with your partner or talking to a friend or someone you trust can help to ease the pressure.
Mind-body techniques – Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help with emotional balance and reduce stress. It’s like a gentle workout for the mind as well as the body.
Limit online comparisons – Every person’s fertility experiences are different. What works for some, might not be right for you.
Get professional help – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, professional counselling could be an option. It can all be a rocky road to navigate, and help is there if you need it.
When Should You Seek Specialist Support?
There is no ‘right time’ to think about getting advice – it really is down to your gut and when feels right for you. Some people start early to get peace of mind, while others prefer to try on their own for longer. Earlier intervention can relieve uncertainty though and the benefit of that is it gives you time to understand your biology and explore options. So, consider booking a consultation if:
- You’re under 35 and have been trying for a year or more without success
- You’re over 35 and have been trying for six months or more
- Your menstrual cycle is irregular or absent
- You experience severe pain with periods or intercourse
- You have a medical condition (PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorder, or a history of pelvic infections)
- You or your partner have concerns about sperm health
Trying to conceive is personal, obviously, and it’s completely normal to feel emotions you may not be familiar with. But looking after your emotional wellbeing and your body gives you the best chances of conceiving naturally. If you need extra guidance, The Surrey Park Clinic’s consultant-led approach to treatment helps patients feel supported on their fertility journey. We strive to make your assisted fertility treatment as stress-free and straightforward as possible and to support you along your journey.