How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Naturally

Let’s Talk About Male Fertility Honestly Reading How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Naturally 6 minutes Next FERTILITY TREATMENTS: The 6 Most Common Treatment Pathways for Couples TTC

Starting a family is an exciting and life-changing journey. Whether you’ve just begun thinking about having a baby or have been trying for some time, understanding how to optimise your fertility can make a significant difference. In the UK, it’s estimated that around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, but with the right knowledge and support, you can take proactive steps to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential preconception advice, the importance of a fertility MOT check-up, and other key lifestyle and medical considerations for couples who are trying to conceive.

1. Start with Preconception Advice

Preconception care is all about improving your health before you become pregnant, which can not only enhance your chances of conceiving but also ensure a healthier pregnancy and baby.

For women:

Take folic acid: It’s recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting at least 3 months before conception, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Check your vaccinations: Ensure you're up-to-date on immunisations such as rubella (German measles), which can affect unborn babies.
Review your medications: Some prescription or over-the-counter medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Consult your GP before trying to conceive.

For men:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Sperm quality can be affected by factors like smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and stress. Making healthier choices can improve both sperm count and motility.
Avoid heat exposure: Prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., hot tubs or saunas) can lower sperm production. Wearing loose-fitting underwear and avoiding heat can help.
Limit alcohol and stop smoking: Both can negatively impact fertility. Quitting or cutting down is beneficial for both partners.

We created a Preconception Advice Series that covers all areas of pertinent information for couples to consider, to help them understand more about optimising their chances of success when planning to start a family. Further, if you have been trying for 6-months or more and have concerns, we also offer a 3-month programme of coaching for couples called Prep4Pregnancy, which aims to provide tailored advice to optimise your chances of natural conception.

2. Schedule a Fertility MOT Check-Up

A fertility MOT is a comprehensive assessment of both partners’ reproductive health and is an excellent starting point if you’re planning to conceive. These check-ups are increasingly popular in the UK and are available at private fertility clinics.

What’s involved in a fertility MOT?

For women:

Hormone testing: Blood tests to assess hormone levels, including Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which gives an estimate of ovarian reserve.
Pelvic ultrasound scan: To check ovarian health and look for conditions such as polycystic ovaries or fibroids.
Cycle tracking: Understanding ovulation patterns helps identify the most fertile days.

For men:

Semen analysis: Evaluates sperm count, shape (morphology), and movement (motility).
General health review: Lifestyle factors, medical history, and any existing health conditions that may affect fertility.

This check-up helps identify potential issues early on, allowing time for interventions if needed and giving you peace of mind before trying for a baby.

3. Adopt a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on fertility for both partners.

Nutrition:

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Key nutrients for fertility include:

Zinc
Folic acid
Vitamin D
Omega-3 fatty acids

Exercise:

Moderate, regular exercise supports reproductive health, weight management, and stress reduction. However, excessive high-intensity workouts can disrupt ovulation, so aim for a balanced approach.

Sleep:

Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can affect hormone regulation and fertility.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol:

Limit caffeine to no more than 200mg per day (that’s about two cups of coffee), and avoid excessive alcohol intake. It's best to stop drinking altogether when trying to conceive, especially for women.

4. Manage Stress and Emotional Wellbeing

Trying to conceive can be emotionally taxing, especially if it takes longer than expected. High stress levels may affect ovulation and sperm quality.

Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help manage anxiety and promote relaxation.
Counselling or fertility coaching is available through many clinics, including our own Prep4Pregnancy 3-month support programme for couples trying to conceive, as this provides them with the best available chance at success.
Stay connected with your partner – open communication and emotional support make a big difference during this journey, in fact most couples find that they become much closer and develop a deeper bond during this time.

5. When to Seek Medical Advice

Most couples will conceive within a year of having regular, unprotected sex. If you’ve been trying for 12 months (or 6 months if the woman is over 35), it’s a good idea to consult your GP or to book a consultation with a fertility specialist.

Also seek medical advice sooner if:

The woman has irregular or absent periods
There is a history of reproductive health issues (e.g., endometriosis, PCOS)
Either partner has had previous surgery, infections, or cancer treatment that may affect fertility

Remember, whilst you are new to fertility and its potential challenges, specialists like our very own Dr Irfana Koita, can more easily recognise and diagnose the most common causes of delay to conception and can help you make a few adjustments to get you back on the right track to starting, or indeed, adding to your family.

Final Thoughts

Conceiving can be straightforward for some and more challenging for others. By taking proactive steps like adopting a healthy lifestyle, understanding your cycle, and scheduling a Fertility MOT, you will understand more and can significantly increase your chances of success.

Remember, every fertility journey is unique. Whether you conceive naturally or need support from a fertility expert, the most important thing is to stay informed and supported throughout the process.

If you’re just starting out or have been trying for a while, now is the perfect time to prioritise your reproductive health. Book your FREE Advisory Call with our specialist care team or schedule a consultation with Dr Koita to take that first step towards parenthood.