How to increase chances of getting Pregnant Naturally?

What is Fertility?
It is the ability to have children.

Which is the best time to get Pregnant?
Fertility declines with increasing age of both partners. In women their chances of conception are decreased by half after 30 years. So to have children, younger the age of both partners, better the chances.

What kind of diet and lifestyle should be followed while planning pregnancy?

Both partners should have a body mass index of 20-25 kg/m2. Especially in women, very low BMI(very thin women) or very high BMI(Obese women) are associated with decreased fertility. Dist rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts like almonds and walnuts, pulses, legumes, millets like ragi, are essential. Non vegetarians can add milk, eggs & fish for protein. Physical activity (walking, cycling etc) for atleast an hour daily is advised. Folic acid supplementation is essential for all women regardless of age, even while planning conception as it prevents neural tube defects.

Does drinking Tea & Coffee affect fertility?
Yes. In women, high levels of caffeine consumption (500mg that is more than 5 cups of coffee a day) is associated with decreased fertility.

In pregnancy even 2-3 cups of coffee/day can increase the chances of miscarriage or abortion.

There is no effect of coffee on semen parameters.

Does smoking reduce the chance of conception?
Definitely. In women, smoking(even passive smoking) increases the rate ofdepletion of oocytes and these women may attain menopause earlier than non-smokers.

In men, smoking decreases sperm count and motility.

Does alcohol reduce chances of conception?
No clear evidence regarding this. Alcohol definitely affects the fetus if consumed during pregnancy. No safe limit has been advised during pregnancy.

But effects of alcohol on egg and sperm quality- have not been proved.

How frequent should a couple have intercourse to conceive naturally?
Chances of getting pregnant are more with frequent intercourse (every day or every alternate day)
Intercourse once a week decreases the chances of getting pregnant.

What is the ideal time to have intercourse?
Ideal time is during the "fertile window"

Fertile window is the time (approximately 6-7 days) just before and shortly after ovulation (rupture of ovarian follicle to release the oocyte)

The sperm can remain active inside the vagina or uterus for 3-5 days and it can fertilise the egg during this time.

The egg(ovum) can remain alive and is capable of fertilisation for only 12-24 hours after ovulation (its release from the ovarian follicles)

The time of ovulation can vary even in the same women from month to month. Ovulation can be detected even at home using simple ovulation kits.

Does bed rest after intercourse increase chances of conception?
No. The sperms are motile and swim up into the uterus and both the fallopian tubes within 5 minutes of ejaculation.

The seminal fluid in the vagina will anyway come out even if the women stays in the same position for many hours and then stands up.

It is better to wash off the seminal fluid about 15-20 mins after intercourse as it may lead to infection of the genital tract otherwise.

Is bed rest essential after ovulation so that the fertilized embryo implants well without falling out?
No. Fertilisation of the egg with the sperm happens in the fallopian tube and bed rest does not increase chances of implantation. Normal physical activity can be encouraged. Climbing stairs having sexual intercourse, and other activities does not increase the chances of abortion.