Starting the adventure of becoming parents is a big step filled with happiness and dreams of a lovely family life. But, the road to making a baby, known as “Trying to Conceive (TTC),” can be both thrilling and challenging, especially when it takes a bit longer. On average, it takes most couples one to two years to have a baby without using any birth control. Your age can make a difference too; it’s easier for those between 19 and 26, with a 92% chance of pregnancy in a year, than for those aged 35 to 39, where it’s 82%.
Feelings like worry, stress, and even sadness are common when trying to have a baby. Studies show that stress can make it harder to get pregnant, and trouble conceiving can bring more stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can affect your ability to have a baby. Stress can mess with your baby-making system, whether it’s because of fertility problems or other life stuff. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your mind and body when you’re trying to have a baby.
We’ve talked to experts in baby-making to learn how you can take good care of yourself and your relationship while you’re TTC.
Here are seven simple tips they recommend:
Eat Well and Take Your Vitamins: To get your body ready for making a baby, think about your energy-makers called mitochondria. These little guys do a lot for baby-making, and they love a Mediterranean-style diet, good sleep, and some friendly supplements like CoQ10. Iron and vitamin D are also great for baby-making. You can check with a baby doctor to see if you’re getting enough of these.
Find Out When It’s Baby Time: Make sure you know when it’s time to get busy. Keep an eye on your ovulation, which is when your body is ready for a baby. Apps can help, but it’s even better to use ovulation predictor kits and pay attention to your body’s signs.
Don’t Forget the Basics: It’s easy to get caught up in baby-making plans and forget about taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, take time to relax, drink lots of water, go outside, and get moving. These simple things can be forgotten when you’re focused on having a baby, but they’re really important for your health.
Keep the Love Alive: When you’re trying to have a baby, it’s easy for sex to become a chore. To keep the romance alive, plan some special times with your partner. Make time for dates and have fun outside of your baby-making window. Be creative in the bedroom to make things exciting. You can try using a fertility-friendly lube, which can help the baby-making process and make things more fun.
Take Time for You: Trying to have a baby can be a time when people feel a lot of pressure to be perfect. But, it’s important to take care of yourself. Relax, meditate, and do things you enjoy. Getting a massage or spending time with people you love can help you feel less stressed and bring some joy into your life.
Include Your Partner: Some people feel alone when they’re trying to have a baby, especially if it’s taking longer than expected. Talking with your partner and spending time together can help reduce stress and anxiety. Do things together that don’t involve making a baby. Go on dates, take walks, or watch a movie to keep a positive mindset.
Talk to a Professional: It’s okay to ask for help, even when things seem to be going well. A baby doctor or counselor can give you advice and make your baby-making journey less confusing. They can help you and your partner feel more prepared and taken care of. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, talking to a baby doctor or counselor can help you learn more about your options.
Let Go of Control: It’s normal to worry about having a baby. But, some things are out of your hands, even when you try to control them. Having a baby is a bit like a surprise. You don’t know when your baby wants to come into the world. Trying to have a baby is a bit like a mystery, and it’s about trusting the journey. Remember that you’re doing your best, and you don’t have to be perfect.
In summary, your journey to becoming a parent is filled with both excitement and challenges. By taking good care of yourself, seeking professional help when needed, and being patient with the process, you can navigate this journey with confidence and a focus on well-being. Your commitment to parenthood is a beautiful and transformative journey, and it’s essential to care for both your mind and body along the way.
For more information and support, visit MakeAmom and explore the resources tailored to your unique journey.