You’ve decided to have a baby, and you’re trying to get pregnant. How long should it take? Generally, physicians accept that 80% of women having unprotected vaginal intercourse without birth control become pregnant within six months. After a year, that number climbs to 85%.
If you’re still not pregnant after 12 months, then it’s time to visit gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Moreira at ThriveOB and Women's Wellness in Barrington, Illinois. Treating fertility difficulties is one of the most important services we offer for our patients.
When you’re ready for the experience, even six months can seem like a long time. However, getting pregnant is, in itself, a bit of a timing miracle.
Consider the rough timeline of conception:
Anything that interrupts this timeline can prevent a pregnancy, including:
Despite the number of disruptors that can occur, making a few small changes can greatly improve your chances of conception.
Perhaps the most effective strategy for aiding pregnancy is close tracking of ovulation. While a 28-day cycle with ovulation on day 14 is a general average, individual women can vary widely. Techniques you can use to help pinpoint include:
Combining two or more prediction methods may give you a more accurate picture of ovulation.
In addition to pinpointing your most fertile days, prioritize nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management to improve your chances of successful fertilization.
It’s time to see Dr. Moreira and her team when you cross the 12-month threshold without becoming pregnant. Most women take 6 months or less, and 85% succeed within a year.
There may be circumstances when this timing doesn’t apply, including:
Contact ThriveOB and Women's Wellness anytime you have a pregnancy-related concern or suspected fertility issue. You can book an appointment by calling 847-868-2908 today.
