3 Simple Steps to Get Started on Your Path to Pregnancy
Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting and sometimes challenging time. Whether you're just beginning to think about starting a family or you've been trying for a while, understanding the key steps to getting pregnant can help you feel more in control and informed. Let’s dive in to 3 simple steps you can take to on your path to pregnancy. While every journey is unique, taking these steps can help you feel empowered as you move closer to your dream of becoming a parent.
Step 1: Track your cycle
Tracking your cycle is a helpful tool when trying to conceive as it will give insight to your fertile window and help provide information for your practitioners. Recording information such as your period, basal body temperature and cervical mucous can determine when you are ovulating and subsequently when you are the most fertile. The more information that is recorded, the more specific your fertile window will be there.
There are plenty of apps that can help you track your cycle
Glow ovulation period tracker. This is a subscription app with a monthly fee.
Fertility App. This is a free app.
Fertility Friend FF. This is the oldest and possibly most used fertility app. There is a free and paid version. You may want the paid version.
Clue. This is a paid monthly subscription. Clue does an excellent job at tracking the cycle. It has less information about IVF and other fertility support than the other apps.
Tip: Cervical mucous can be an indicator of ovulation. Tracking daily allows for you to notice any changes. Egg white cervical mucous usually indicates ovulation, and can happen between day 10-15 in the cycle
Step 2: Start Folic Acid
Folic acid is needed for proper development of your baby’s spine, brain and skull. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect. The goal is get at least 400mcg of folic acid daily.
Most prenatal vitamins will contain folic acid. It is important to read the label to ensure proper dosing of folic acid. Again, the goal is at least 400mcg daily.
Tip: During early pregnancy and morning sickness, prenatal vitamins may make your nausea worse. Stick to folic acid alone to reduce stomach upset.
Step 3: Create a care team
You want to surround yourself with practitioners that you trust to support you on your journey to and during pregnancy.
Your team may include a GP/family doctor or OBGYN, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, counsellor or massage therapist. It can be anyone that will be supportive to you!
Tip: I encourage my patients to decide if they would like a midwife or OBGYN to care for them during their pregnancy. In Kelowna specifically, it is very difficult to get a midwife and care must be requested as soon as possible in a pregnancy.
Tracking your cycle is the most important step when trying to conceive. Knowing your fertile window will improve timing of intercourse to improve your chance of conception. A prenatal vitamin containing folic acid will provide very basic nutritional support. Most specific supplement and lifestyle recommendations can be made by your care team. Fertility and pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride. Your care team can be used to guide you through this experience, offer care and support and provide additional resources as needed. I would love to support you through your conception journey. Reach out by leaving a comment or contacting the clinic for an appointment.