Getting pregnant NOW, the 5 essential steps-updated with tips 4-5

[mommy2alissa]

I am getting 1 e-mail a day fo r5 days with tips on ttc some will have things you and youe SO should and should not be doing, and then i will poast and update here for yall.

 

Tip #1: Timing, timing, timing - Know your fertile days!

It's funny,  you spend so much of your life trying not to get pregnant. Then when you're finally ready - nothing. To be certain, some couples manage to conceive as soon as they begin trying. For the rest of us, it takes a bit more effort.
 
And that's where we'd like to help you. We've spent the last seven years serving the trying-to-conceive market space, and we've helped literally hundreds of thousands of couples. From this unique vantage point, we've seen what works - and just as important, what doesn't work - when trying to get pregnant. In this 5-part series of emails (sent over a period of 5 consecutive days), we'll share these invaluable tips with you.

First up, timing. It's always our first recommendation to trying-to-conceive couples. You simply must know when you're going to ovulate, as this is your most fertile time of the month. Simply stated, this is the only time of the month you're going to become pregnant, so it's critical that you properly identify it.

So how do you find out when you'll ovulate? Some people rely on ovulation calculators or calendars. To be certain, this is better than simply guessing (which many people do, believe it or not), but these measures are based on simple statistical averages. They don't take into account your body's own unique chemistry and indicators. For this reason, we advise against relying solely on the calculator method of predicting ovulation.

How should you do it? Fortunately, you have a number of very effective options. We'll run through them here, from most economical to most expensive. Most important here, note that you don't need to (and absolutely shouldn't) spend a fortune on predicting ovulation.

1. Urine Ovulation Tests (also called Ovulation Predictor Kits or OPKs)

Ovulation tests work by identifying the surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) that occurs just prior to ovulation. Throughout our menstrual cycles, small amounts of LH are present in our systems, but during the middle of our cycle, LH briefly and dramatically increases. Ovulation tests can detect this surge using anti-LH antibodies contained in the testing membrane.

Ovulation tests come in two main formats: test strips and midstream tests. The decision as to which type to purchase is one of personal preference - the results they yield are identical. Test strips are the most economical format (as inexpensive as $.55/test). To use an ovulation test strip, you fill a container (like a dixie cup) with urine, and immerse a portion of the test in urine for several seconds. With midstream ovulation tests, you hold the test directly in your urine stream. With both test formats, results are displayed in around 5 minutes.

* Order ovulation tests from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and save 10% off the regular price! Be sure to use the following digital coupon code: fivesteps  And remember, all orders of $15 or more receive free same-day shipping!

2. Saliva-Based Ovulation Microscopes

Here's a method you may not be aware of, but it's a great one and it offers some unique advantages over other methods. (Don't worry - it's not like a regular "lab" microscope, and it's very easy to use.)

An ovulation microscope allows you to predict your fertile time of the month by detecting hormonal changes that occur just prior to ovulation. Here's how it works: just before ovulation, women experience a gradual increase in the hormone estrogen. This "estrogen surge", in turn, causes an increase in salinity (electrolytes) in saliva. This change in saliva can be detected when examined through a specially-designed microscope; it creates an easy-to-identify crystal-like pattern which looks like frost on a window pane (also called a "ferning pattern").

There are a handful of saliva-based ovulation microscopes on the market, but the one we recommend most is Fertile Focus. It's the size and shape of a tube of lipstick, so it's very discreet. And because it's completely re-usable for unlimited tests and costs less than $30, it's highly economical. To see a movie clip of how the Fertile Focus works, click here.

* Order Fertile Focus from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and save 10% off the regular price! Be sure to use the following digital coupon code: fivesteps  And remember, all orders of $15 or more receive free same-day shipping!

3. Fertility Monitors

A fertility monitor usually refers to a "computerized" device that analyzes a sample from your body (ranging from saliva to urine to vaginal fluid) to determine your "fertile state". Fertility monitors represent the most expensive - and also the most full-featured - category of ovulation prediction device.

There are a handful of fertility monitors on the market, but in our opinion, there are just 3 "main" brands worth looking at:  the Clearblue Fertility Monitor; the OvWatch, and the Ovacue.

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor: The Clearblue Monitor works by tracking the levels of two key reproductive hormones in your urine - LH and estrogen. With the Clearblue Monitor, you urinate directly onto a special Clearblue Test Stick. Then simply push a button, and the fertility monitor informs you of your fertility level: either Low, High, or Peak. Lovemaking during "High" or "Peak" days maximizes your chances of becoming pregnant.

Order the Clearblue Monitor and Test Sticks online at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com and receive some valuable freebies (and free priority mail shipping)!

The OvWatch Fertility Monitor: The OvWatch is a neat twist on the traditional fertility monitor in that it's actually a watch that you wear at night while you sleep! It works by measuring changes in your chloride-ion levels (present in your perspiration).

Order the OvWatch online at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com and receive free priority mail shipping! 

The Ovacue Fertility Monitor: The Ovacue Monitor is our personal preference when it comes to a computerized fertility monitor. With the Ovacue, you simply place an oral sensor on your tongue for a few seconds, and in a minute, you receive your daily test result. It electronically creates, tracks, and stores your data to produce a personalized electronic fertility chart.

Order the Ovacue Monitor online at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com as it includes free overnight shipping! Click the following link to order:

Please visit us at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for all your preconception needs!

That's it for Tip #1 - stay tuned for #2 (coming tomorrow)!

[butterfly-jo]

this is cool.....and informative

one thing that i missed about my fertile days......after i had dd my cycle was a 28 day one...but after i had ds it changed to a 30 day cycle...and i never calculated it, just assumed it would be the same.  so that might have something to do with why i haven't gotten preggo yet...lol

but my fertile days (according to the calculator) start monday....so baby dust to me...and all of you!!!

[blessingAH]

Thank you so much!! I will be waiting tio number two!!

[mommy2alissa]

Here is tip #2

Tip #2: Normalize Your Cycles If They're Irregular & Give Your Fertility a "Boost"! Yesterday we looked at the importance of determining when you ovulate. But for many women, ovulation doesn't always occur when you expect it will. That's because many women have irregular cycles - often due to a hormonal imbalance. Needless to say, having an irregular menstrual cycle can complicate your efforts in achieving pregnancy! When women experience difficulties relating to ovulation/cycle regularity, some ObGyns and fertility specialists are quick to prescribe Clomifene (Clomid). Recent research, however, has called into question this drug's effectiveness. In fact, a 2008 British study actually found that Clomid users were less likely to conceive than non-Clomid users! What's more, Clomid usage doesn't come without health risks - it increases the risk of multiple births, and it may increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. So what can you do? Fortunately, there are now natural - and highly effective - fertility enhancing supplements on the market. Our preferred brand of fertility enhancing supplement is called FertilAid. On the market since 2003 and designed by leading fertility expert/ObGyn, Amos Grunebaum, FertilAid helps to restore hormonal balance and promote regular ovulation. Even if your cycles are already regular, FertilAid can be highly beneficial; its healthy blend of vitamins, minerals, and fertility-promoting herbs help to support your overall reproductive wellness. We've seen a number of fertility supplements come and go but FertilAid has stood the test of time and is commonly recommended by doctors and fertility specialists. If you have irregular cycles and you're trying to conceive (listen up women with PCOS and/or endometriosis!), or if you're already regular and just looking to give your fertility health an added "boost", consider giving FertilAid a try. You can review actual FertilAid user feedback here: http://fertilaid.com/testimonials.asp * Order FertilAid from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and save 10% off the regular price! Be sure to use the following digital coupon code: fivesteps. And remember, all orders of $15 or more receive free same-day shipping! That's it for Tip #2 -  stay tuned for Tip #3 (coming tomorrow)!

[Forget-me-not]

Will you let me know via private message as you post these, I would like to link them into our main resource sticky.

[photog_grrl]

I've been taking Vitex (aka Chasteberry) rather than FertiliAid, since it has the same active ingredient and is almost 1/3 the price...

[mommy2alissa]

shure thing

Quoting Forget-me-not:

Will you let me know via private message as you post these, I would like to link them into our main resource sticky.

[mommy2alissa]

Tip #3: Don't Use "Traditional" Lubricants and Check Your Cervical Mucus! Here's a common scenario in a trying-to-conceive couples' household. You're having sex multiple times each fertile period (sounds pleasant so far, right?); however, this brand of lovemaking is not always inspired by passion, but rather tends to be dictated by that day's ovulation test result. Intercourse "on demand" can be stressful, and it can lead to anxiety and increased vaginal dryness. But most lubricants - and even saliva - can harm sperm and dramatically reduce your odds of conceiving. KY Jelly, Astroglide, Replens, you name it - all of these major brands exert a detrimental effect on sperm motility (ability to swim) and viability (ability to survive). There is a one lubricant, however, that is designed specifically for trying-to-conceive couples: Pre-Seed. Designed by leading andrologist, Joanna Ellington, PhD, Pre-Seed actually mimics your natural body secretions to ensure sperm are not impeded in any way on their important journey. * Order Pre-Seed from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and receive free same-day shipping!  As you may already know, cervical mucus plays a vital role in the conception process.  It helps to: Facilitate passage of sperm through the vagina, cervix and uterus to the fallopian tube. Provide protection and nutritional support for sperm. Neutralize acidity in the vagina during a woman's fertile time. Assist in preventing infections inside the vagina. Facilitate sperm movement so conception can take place. Here's another item to be aware of - Your cervical mucus undergoes some characteristic changes during your menstrual cycle to help facilitate becoming pregnant. As you approach ovulation, your cervical mucus should demonstrate the following "fertile" qualities: it becomes stretchable, semi-transparent, slippery, with the consistency of raw egg white. What's referred to as "infertile cervical mucus", in contrast, is characterized by a tacky texture. It's typically opaque, and there is not all that much of it present. If you feel your cervical mucus bears a greater resemblance to the infertile type described above, we would encourage you to consider the following measures: Drink LOTS of water. Water is a key ingredient in the creation of fertile-quality cervical mucus. Consider taking a supplement designed to increase your production of "fertile-quality" cervical mucus. We recommend FertileCM, a product that's specifically designed to address issues of this type. * Order FertileCM from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and save 10% off the regular price! Be sure to use the following digital coupon code: fivesteps   And remember, all orders of $15 or more receive free same-day shipping! That's it for Tip #3 - stay tuned for Tip #4 (coming tomorrow)!

[mommy2alissa]

Tip #4: Take Care of Yourself! Sounds simple, right? But really, this is an important (and frequently overlooked) part of preparing your body to become pregnant. As noted fertility expert, Amos Grunebaum likes to say: "It's amazing how many people put more preparation into fixing up their car for a weekend trip than they do in readying their bodies for becoming pregnant." Amen to that, Dr. Grunebaum! So what does "taking care of yourself" mean in the context of trying to get pregnant? Eat right Be at your optimum weight (here, you should calculate your Body Mass Index and be between 19.5 and 25 Take a prenatal vitamin, or better yet, a fertility-enhancing supplement that also contains all ingredients of a prenatal vitamin, like FertilAid for Women Don't smoke or drink Exercise regularly, ideally yoga. (Yoga has been scientifically demonstrated to enhance fertility!) Limit or reduce stress whenever possible And it's not just the woman's responsibility. Your partner, too, should not smoke or drink (and it goes without saying - no "street" drugs) while you're trying to conceive. Ideally, your partner should be taking a supplement to help ensure good sperm health (good count, motility, and morphology). Here we recommend FertilAid for Men. * Save on the products mentioned here to help you prepare your (and your partner's) body for pregnancy. Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com and save 10% off the regular price of the following items (use digital coupon code fivetips): FertilAid for Women/Men Pregnancy Plus Prenatal Vitamins Bend, Breathe, and Conceive Yoga DVD Just for Fun items to lighten the mood (aromatherapy candles or fertility jewelry!) And save on our flagship pregnancy/ovulation tests as well! That's it for Tip #4 - stay tuned for Tip #5 (coming tomorrow)!

 

[mommy2alissa]

Tip #5: Consider Your Man, Too! When it takes longer than we expect to become pregnant, there's a tendency to look at the woman first. But research tells us that's not what we should be doing. In 1/3rd of cases, difficulties in conceiving are attributable to the woman, another 1/3rd are due to the man, and the final 1/3rd is the result of issues relating to both the woman and man. So what should he be doing to help get the "job done"? Simple: He should be looking after his health, just like you're doing. If he smokes or drinks alcohol, he should stop or cut down as much as possible. Exposure to heat (like hot tubs) should be limited (or ideally, eliminated), and he should ensure that he stays well hydrated. Additionally, he should ejaculate every 24 to 48 hours to keep his "system revved up". Because antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids are so important to good sperm health, he should also be taking a male fertility enhancing supplement, such as FertilAid for Men. (FertilAid for Men has been clinically demonstrated to increase the overall number of motile sperm, which is highly beneficial when trying to conceive.) * Order FertilAid for Men from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com today and save 10% off the regular price! Be sure to use the following digital coupon code: fivesteps  And remember, all orders of $15 or more receive free same-day shipping! That concludes our Get Pregnant Now: 5 Essential Tips series. We hope you've found it helpful. Be sure to visit us regularly at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for new tips and products to help you in your trying-to-conceive journey. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us - that's why we're here! (Final note: Also, we encourage you to visit the trying-to-conceive message board at Ovulation-Calculator.com. Here, you'll find great information and support from fellow TTC folks.)

 

[Butrcup98]

This was all very helpful.  Thanks for posting it.