Photo by AshBayGrammy

Before I got pregnant, I had asked myself that very question hundreds of times. Along with "What's wrong with me?", "Am I not meant to have kids?", "Did I do something to make this not happen?"

It also didn't help that some people who knew I was trying to conceive had some things to say that were hurtful. I'm sure they didn't mean it but when you hear something like, well, you spent a lot of time having fun and going out a lot so maybe that's why it's not happening for you, it can make you want to scream.

Here's the thing...it's not like I was some big party person -- I'm actually kind of a square when it comes to that...I barely drink. But even if I did, that doesn't often mean anything in the scheme of things when it comes to getting pregnant. I know a woman who has been on every drug imaginable and has gotten pregnant...oh, maybe seven times.

Photo from CelineDion.com

Back in August, I wrote about Celine Dion's pregnancy through IVF. One mom, Freela, commented how the announcement came very soon and was worried. Sadly, Celine has now had to "unannounce" her pregnancy. 

"We are living the reality of the majority of couples who have to use [IVF]. The process can be long and arduous," Celine's husband Rene Angelil, 67, told the Canadian paper Journal de Montreal as reported on Celebrity Baby Blog. "But today, we are full of confidence. Celine is more determined than ever."

Photo by Shelly888

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says if you've been trying to conceive for 12 months -- or six months if you are a woman over 35 -- without success, it's time to seek help from a fertility specialist.

But if you haven't reached that point yet, you can try some changes in your diet that may help your chances of conceiving go up.

Colette Bouchez author of Getting Pregnant: What Couples Need to Know Right Now wrote a piece for WebMD that included some foods that may increase the odds of having a baby.

Before I share the food suggestions, it's important to remember that some women need more than just a diet change to help with fertility. But for those starting out on their TTC journey, these fertiity foods may help with ovulation.

Photo by mmoleader

I'm going to be honest...when I was in the trying to conceive (TTC) groups and someone would get a big fat positive (BFP) on their pregnancy test, I would get sad. I was so very happy for the woman getting the BFP, but it made me think...when is this going to happen for me? Why isn't it me?

Well really, at first I was thinking what the heck is BFP? Then I learned. Then I felt sad for myself. I was a little behind on all the lingo.

I eventually got my BFP and as most of you know, readying for twins next month. I got so much baby dust from fellow CafeMoms, I am sure it helped. So thank you!

CafeMom psychmama created this sweet and touching video for all TTC mamas. I'm not TTC right now, but I still cried because I remember what it was like. It took an entire year to conceive our son.

pscyhmama has been trying for 7 now. "Making the video was really thereputic in some way. I am a Christian and this has been a real struggle for me, to watch month after month as I was still not pregnant."

When you are trying to conceive, it can be one of the most difficult times in your life. It's hard when you see women all around you getting pregnant accidentally and here you are trying and trying and nothing is working. It really does a number on your mind. Lots of soul searching, lot of tears, lots of frustration.

It doesn't matter if you are doing it holistically (with chaste tree -- oh I know it well) or with a fertility doctor -- there are so many questions and most of them start with Why.

Not to throw more confusion into the TTC ring, but there is a new study out that says women who take progesterone or Clomid, the most common fertility drugs, are at a greater risk to develop thyroid cancer.

Photo by Jeanmarie1975

I'll bet flossing your teeth, buying a new water bottle, and eating full-fat ice cream are not on your list of things you think you should do to get pregnant and prep your body for impending motherhood. Fit Sugar includes these on a surprising but informative list of 8 Ways to Prep Your Body for Pregnancy.

Here are the details on the three I mentioned, but click the above link for the rest of the advice ...

When I first saw this article, my eyes read chlorine instead of choline and I thought WHAT? Then I realized what it said. Low choline levels in pregnant women raise the risk for brain and spinal cord defects. 

OK...what's choline and how can we make sure we are getting enough of it?

Whether you're a single woman who is ready to have a baby and just haven't found Mr. Right yet, or if your SO's swimmers just ain't able to quite get there, you may have looked into getting a sperm donor. Here are some links:

Photo by YoMama2005

If I'd waited for my husband to agree that it was time to start a family, I'd still be waiting today. Then again, Mr. Procrastination also waited five years after we started dating to produce an engagement ring, so it was none to surprising or out of character for him.

So seven years ago around this time of year, I took the initiative and he reluctantly agreed. He would have liked to be a bit more "settled." Our house was still being fixed up (and still is) and our bank account was quite small (and still is). But today he's glad we had our kids when we did, so for me being pushy worked out.

Sometimes, women who want to get pregnant for the first time are up against much greater resistance.

laurenleblanc and her hubby just can't agree on the best time to start their family.