Conception Tips and Tips For Getting Pregnant For Those Who Are Trying To Conceive

CONCEPTION TIPS
Conception takes place in three basic stages: ovulation, then fertilization, and the division of the fertilized egg, which then implants in the uterus - which it isn't until then when pregnancy is considered successful! To better understand the process, we have explained in greater detail below each step of the process. If you are trying to conceive, keep reading these conception tips and your chances of getting pregnant are greater.
WHAT IS OVULATION
Ovulation usually occurs midway through a woman's menstrual cycle. At this point, the follicle which outgrows the others, ruptures and the egg is released. The site of this release is called the stigma, and the follicle goes on to form the corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum produces progesterone which is a hormone responsible for nurturing the baby until the placenta takes over. Barely visible to the naked eye, your baby at this point isn't bigger than a pencil dot. Keep reading if getting pregnant is what you want!
Tiny hairlike projections called cilia move the released egg from the ovary along the fallopian tube to the uterus. If conception is successful, chances are this will take place toward the outer end of the fallopian tube, near the ovary.
The egg usually has no more than 12 hours to be fertilized, otherwise it will die, the follicle will dry up and the uterine lining will be shed. If this happens, the menstrual period will begin, and conception and getting pregnant will be unlikely.
However, if the egg becomes fertilized, then the progesterone levels will increase, the uterine lining will thicken, and conception will be considered a success! To make things easier to understand, we will breakdown a typical woman's menstrual cycle and help with these conception tips:
DAYS 1-5 OF YOUR CYCLE:
We start the menstrual period when you first start to menstruate. So day one is the day you begin to have discharge. It is very important to record this date, as we will need it to calculate your estimated ovulation date.
DAYS 6-11:
These days are called 'dry days', as you are not menstruating nor are you fertile. Your body at this stage is simply preparing to release the egg. If you are having problems getting pregnant, read on. The next part of your menstrual cycle will be the opportunities to conceive.
DAYS 12-18:
These are the days when you will be at your most fertile. Your body will release the egg during the course of these 6 days, so this is the best time to be having sex.
DAYS 19-32:
If you are only having sex now during this period, then I am afraid to say you have missed your chance, and will have to wait for the cycle to begin again. It is highly unlikely that you will have any success in falling pregnant during this time.
SIGNS OF OVULATION
Most women are unaware when they ovulate. Roughly 25% experience lower abdominal pain, which is located primarily near the ovary that's ovulating. The pain is caused by irritation of the fluid or blood from the ruptured follicle. Although this is a symptom of ovulation, it's not always considered a reliable sign that ovulation is occurring. While trying to conceive, it's important to understand ovulation and getting pregnant depends on this. Read more conception tips.To better ensure that you are ovulating, a more concrete sign is the change of cervical mucus which is secreted by the cervix. Normal after menstruation, the consistency of the cervical mucus is somewhat scant - thick, and usually stick, this makes it impenetrable to sperm.
As ovulation draws near, the cervical mucus becomes thinner and wetter, allowing the sperm to travel through it at higher speeds, and with greater ease. Getting pregnant is imminent.Lastly, another sign of ovulation can be found by taking your body temperature. A small, yet distinct rise in body temperature is caused by the increase in the level of progesterone. Even though this increase might only be .5 degrees F, women can still detect this. While trying to conceive, this is a great indicator.
The most optimum time for conception to occur is when ovulation has just happened or is imminent. To better ensure your chances to become pregnant, making love during this time would result in the best chance for getting pregnant and having a baby!
YOUR CHANCES OF CONCEIVING
Fertility varies significantly between couples, as it can take one the first month to conceive, while with others, it can take years. On average, couples will conceive 25% of the time the first month, 60% of the time within 6 months and 80% of the time within one year. Keep trying to conceive, even if you are unsuccessful at first.
There are several risk factors involved that might prevent or delay conception. These may include smoking, drinking alcohol, certain medications, obesity, exposure to heat and chemicals, drug use, and a few others. Causing poor sperm count and quality, this can create an unsuccessful journey towards the fallopian tube.
To improve your chances of conceiving, the following is a list of activities and habits that will make your pregnancy more imminent:
Regular exercise Not only will regular exercise improve your well-being, it will also help reduce stress. In addition, it can also result in good sleep, and promotes relaxation.
A general health check Visiting your doctor on a regular basis will help ensure that you are in tip-top shape while you are trying to conceive.
Track your ovulation Keeping a menstrual calendar is very effective while trying to conceive. Since ovulation usually occurs 14 days after menstruation, it is easy to know what timeframe is most optimum to conceive. You can check your basal body temperature, as well as purchase ovulation detection kits found at most local grocery and drug stores. Making love at least every other day during your fertile period will result in the best chances to conceive.
Avoid smoking Not only does smoking damage your overall health, it can also affect your partner's sperm count.
Eat a well-balanced diet The most important thing to take is folic acid, as it is a catalyst in the process of conception. In addition, be sure to receive ample amounts of vitamin B12, which is found in meat, fish, eggs and milk.
Brian Gardner is the Founder of PregnancyEtc.com - An Online Pregnancy Resource For 9 Months & Beyond. Having recently experienced pregnancy firsthand with his wife Shelly, Brian has dedicated his efforts towards pregnancy research. The development of http://www.pregnancyetc.com was to ensure that expecting parents had a place to find information on pregnancy and babies.

Common Sense Approach To Pregnancy Weight Loss

Ok so everyone gains weight while they are pregnant. This is perfectly normal. It is also perfectly normal for a woman to want to lose that weight after pregnancy. We have established this much at this point in time. There is absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to get yourself back into shape right after your pregnancy, in fact I certainly encourage it!
It is important however that you take a common sense approach when you are attempting to lose weight after your pregnancy. Remember, the weight will not come off overnight, but it will come off if you go about it in the right way.
It is very important that you don't try to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes right after birth. For one you will still be bloated and swollen from the delivery. You will also still be carrying around most of the fat you gained to help keep your baby safe and sound during pregnancy.
Usually the majority of women can safely lose between one and two pounds a week after the birth of their baby. This rate will help ensure a safe, healthy and steady weight loss without compromising mom's health or the health of the new baby.

Pregnancy Weight Gain - The Mystery Solved

It is important that you remember that weight gain is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. You have to gain weight in order to provide a healthy and comfortable home for the child that you will be nurturing for the next nine months.
Most women want to know what the ideal weight is during pregnancy. Honestly, there is no one answer. Weight gain will vary from woman to woman. There is no one 'ideal' weight during pregnancy, just like there is no one 'ideal' weight that is just right for al women.
That said there are certain guidelines that you can follow to ensure that the weight you gain during pregnancy is healthy.
Most physicians will recommend the following weight gain:
If you are normal weight before getting pregnant you should expect to gain between 25 and 35 pounds throughout your pregnancy.
If you are underweight prior to pregnancy you will need to gain more weight, typically between 28 and 40 pounds during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more specific guidelines.
If you are overweight when you become pregnant you will only need to gain between 15 and 25 pounds during your pregnancy.
Keep in mind that if you are carrying multiples (twins or more) you will typically be asked to gain even more weight, 45 pounds or more, depending on how many babies you are carrying.
When you become pregnant it is important that you avoid dieting. So, for purposes of this book we want to emphasize that it is vital that you eat healthily during your pregnancy, not diet. A healthy diet that is composed of food from each of the four food groups will help ensure that you gain the right amount of weight during your pregnancy, making it easier to shed pounds after you give birth.

Kegal Exercises During Pregnancy

You probably became familiar with Kegel exercises during your pregnancy. Kegel exercises are equally important after pregnancy to help restore the tone and strength of your vaginal wall.
Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which weaken during childbirth. Why would you want to strengthen these muscles? If they are weak, you could have bladder control problems. You may also find that intercourse is more fulfilling when you have control of your kegel muscles.
Not sure how to do your Kegel's? Pretend that you are trying to stop the flow of urine the next time you are sitting on the toilet (or anywhere for that matter). Those are the very muscles you need to contract in order to do your Kegels. You can also insert a finger into your vagina and try squeezing just like you are trying to stop the flow of urine. If you feel tightness around your finger, you are performing the exercise correctly.
Be sure when you are doing your Kegel's that you concentrate on the pelvic floor muscles specifically; try not to do any other exercises. You should squeeze for about 15 seconds several times per day.
It is important that you don't overdo your Kegel's particularly in the early weeks after birth, or you may become very sore. Consider working up to doing three sets of ten repetitions over the course of the day.
Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on kegal exercises

Benefits of Exercise When Pregnant

Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and the benefits for you are numerous. Exercise will help ensure that you stay healthy and fit. The healthier you are during pregnancy, the less likely you will have any difficulties with pregnancy. The fitter you are, the easier your childbirth experience will be. It will help you control weight gain during pregnancy and weight loss after pregnancy. It will also help minimize stretch marks.
Most importantly exercise will:
" Help maintain a healthy and steady weight gain for you and your baby.
" Increase your Self esteem, lowering depression and anxiety.
" Help reduce pregnancy related discomfort such as backaches, leg cramps, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
" Help you to recover from delivery and return to a healthy weight faster.
" Accelerate postpartum weight loss.
" Improve your mood, energy level, and feelings about the way you look.
" Improve sleep quality. " Strengthen your muscles and improve your blood flow.
Exercising does however need to be kept in moderation. If you are someone who has always exercised, then there are a few changes that will need to be made to adapt to your changed body. If you have just started to exercise, then you will need to ease yourself into it.
" If you have been exercising regularly, you will be able to maintain your routine to some extent throughout your pregnancy.
" If you are just starting to exercise you should start gradually.
" Try and exercise at least 3 times a week.
" Stretch, but not too much. Extreme stretching could actually cause more damage than good.
" Try and measure your heart rate constantly during exercise. Try not to exceed 150 beats per minute.
" Hydrate with cold refreshing water before and during exercise.
" Don't lift heavy weights while pregnant.
" Never exercise to the point of breathlessness.
" Wear comfortable clothing that fits well and supports and protects your breasts.
" Stop exercising if you feel dizzy, short of breath, pain in your back, swelling, numbness, sick to your stomach, or if your heart is beating too fast or at an uneven rate.
" Choose moderate activities that are unlikely to injure you, such as walking, aqua aerobics, swimming, yoga, or hire a personal trainer with a certification in maternity fitness who can give you a tailored program to suit all your needs and enhance your maternity experience.
Exercising after Birth:
Most women are very eager to regain their pre-pregnancy figures, and women who have exercised through out their pregnancy will gain their figure back much faster than those who haven't exercised during pregnancy.
As before when you started training or exercising when you were first pregnant, you need to start off slowly. You may only start exercising again once your body has completely healed from the stress of labor. So start slowly, and enjoy getting back the figure you used to have!Tips for pregnancy
Talk to your health care provider about how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy. Eat foods rich in folate, iron, calcium, and protein, or get these nutrients through a prenatal supplement.
Talk to your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Eat breakfast every day.
Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
Avoid alcohol, raw fish, fish high in mercury, soft cheeses, and anything that is not food.
Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Talk to your health care provider before you begin. After you deliver your baby, continue eating well. Return to a healthy weight gradually.
Slowly get back to your routine of regular, moderate physical activity. Take pleasure in the miracles of pregnancy and birth.
DEBORAH is a highly respected authority in personal training for overall health and fitness, with more than 22 years of experience and success. Her credentials include...
Currently licensed Registered Nurse specializing in Rehabilitative Nursing Medical Exercise Therapist: certified by AAHFRP, an internationally recognized physical rehabilitation certification Maternity Specialist Pre & Post Natal certified by Maternal Fitness Personal Fitness Specialist: certified by NASM, an internationally recognized certification Yoga Teacher Professional Health Member, National Organization of Fitness Instructors (IDEA), a leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals Deborah Caruana RN, MES, CPTEmail: deb@vitalsignsfitness.comWebsite: http://www.vitalsignsfitness.com