Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Getting pregnant should be the most natural thing in the world. But for many couples, it's difficult, if not impossible. There are some steps you can take to improve your chances, though, as explained by Dr. Keith Eddleman, author of Pregnancy for Dummies.

How to improve chances of getting pregnant:
It's hard to put a number to what age is too old to get pregnant.  If you're 45, in good health, and still ovulating, you should be able to conceive. On the other hand, if you're 38 and not ovulating regularly, maybe you won't be able to get pregnant. It's very much an individual situation. Here are some things to keep in mind.

- Pay close attention to your menstrual cycle and write down the first day of your last period. If you have a regular 28-day cycle, you are likely to be ovulating on day 14. - -Kits from the drug store can also help you determine when you're ovulating.
- Try to get as close to your ideal body weight as possible. This will not only help you get pregnant, but it will also make the pregnancy easier.
- If you have a chronic ailment like diabetes or high blood pressure, get it under control before attempting to get pregnant.
- Make sure your general health is good and that your vaccinations are up to date.
- Have intercourse when you ovulate. Men should not have sex as frequently before ovulation so that the sperm count when they do have sex is higher.
- For several months before trying to get pregnant take folic acid supplements. They are a good way to prevent having a baby with spina bifida.