Any woman who has tried to conceive in the past knows that it isn’t as easy as simply getting off of birth control. Though that is the first step when trying to get pregnant, there are a few other important items that you should get your hands on to make the process easier and less stressful for you and your partner. We know that there are a lot of products out there, but the truth is, not all fertility products are necessary or useful. That’s why your NCCRM infertility doctor Cary is here to share the top 5 items we recommend you purchase when you decide that you are ready to start trying to conceive to make the process happen faster and as seamlessly as possible.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Ovulation predictor kits work by detecting the levels of LH hormone, or luteinizing hormone, in your urine, predicting when you are about to ovulate. About 24-48 hours before you ovulate, you have an LH hormone surge. Ovulation predictor kits alert you to when that surge occurs so that you can plan intercourse in the following day or two to optimize your chances of getting pregnant. They can be purchased over the counter from any drug store.
A Charting Tool
Next, you will need a good and reliable way to keep track of your fertility signs. Having details about your LH surges, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and the dates of when you and your partner have intercourse will help you understand how your body and reproductive system works, allowing you to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You can go old-school and use a regular calendar to chart your signs, you can print out a fertility chart and fill it in manually, or you can download a fertility app on your phone that stores all of the info for you.
Basal Body Thermometer
After ovulation occurs and progesterone levels begin to surge, your temperature at rest, known as your basal body temperature, rises about four-tenths of a degree. Such small rises can only be detected by a basal body thermometer. With your own basal body thermometer, you will be able to understand when ovulation generally occurs for you and it can alert you to the fact that ovulation has already taken place, maximizing your chances of conceiving.
Prenatal Vitamins
While good overall nutrition is vital to support a healthy pregnancy, your NCCRM infertility doctor Cary will advise you to take prenatal vitamins since some essential nutrients, like folic acid, aren’t consumed enough on a regular basis. It is actually a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins a few months before you start trying to conceive, as well as during the pregnancy once you have conceived. These can be prescribed to you or bought over the counter, and come in a variety of different pills, chewables, and gummies.
Pregnancy Tests
When the day comes that you think you might be pregnant, you’ll want to have a pregnancy test or two available so you can find out right away if you are. While there is no harm in taking pregnancy tests often while you are trying to get pregnant, be mindful of the fact that they are only really necessary when there are signs that you may be pregnant, such as a late period. Tests can be purchased over the counter at any drug store and typically come with multiple tests per box.
NCCRM Infertility Clinic Cary
These 5 items, along with a lot of patience, can really speed things along and help you get that positive pregnancy test you’ve been dreaming of. Everyone’s fertility profile is unique and much of the timing of it has to do with luck. If you are over the age of 35 and haven’t been able to conceive after 6 months of trying, or are under 35 and haven’t been able to conceive after 12 months of trying, it is recommended that you see an NCCRM infertility doctor Cary. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact NCCRM today!
