[tifflove28]

Me and my boyfriend has been trying to have a baby for quite sometime now, but I haven't got pregnant yet. What should I do?? Please help

[DoulaLC]

Hi tifflove28,

How long have you been trying? Most couples will become pregnant within a year of actively trying, this includes having a good idea of when ovulation may occur through things such as temping/charting, watching for changes in discharge, and using ovulation predictor tests. For some couples, even when all is well, it can take longer than a year.

Are you able to have sex on a regular basis throughout each month? For example, at least every 2-3 days? Do you have regular menstrual cycles? Most often if you are having regular periods you will be ovulating on a regular basis as well.

It can be frustrating for it to not happen as quickly as you would like, but even doctors won't usually start talking about running some fertility tests until you have been trying for at least year, or about 6 months if you are mid-30's and older.

Be sure that both you and your boyfriend are making healthy lifestyle changes; some that could impact your fertility and success of a healthy pregnancy and baby. This might include some changes in food and drink, for you... taking prenatal or a good multivitamin while trying to conceive, not smoking or even being around second hand smoke, getting regular exercise, reduce stress, etc. anything that you can think of that would possibly help you both to be as healthy as possible. Not only good for a possible pregnancy, but good for both of you in general.

Look into ways that could help you determine when you are mostly likely to ovulate. Going with the calendar will give you a starting place, as many women will ovulate about 12-16 days before a period is due, but some will sooner or later than that, which can be normal for them. Either see your doctor/gynecologist for a preconception visit, to discuss getting pregnant, or research it on your own. There is plenty of good information on ways of determining when ovulation might occur. Use those times to focus some extra sessions of intercourse, but don't just focus on that time. Again, regular sex throughout each month, with perhaps a few more sessions starting several days before suspected ovulation right through to a couple of days after can cover the timing.

Fingers crossed it doesn't take you too much longer!