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Preconception Health

How Long Does It Usually Take to Get Pregnant?

4 min read

A baby on your mind? Thoughts about growing your family? Thinking about how long will it take to get pregnant if you started trying for a baby soon enough? Worried that it might just happen too soon? Worried that it might take really long? Take a deep breath and relax. These are frequent questions every couple that wishes to start a family has on their minds. Every woman who wishes to conceive wishes to know how soon she’ll conceive and how long does it usually and actually take to get pregnant. Read to know some general and simple information on this.
not getting pregnant

How Long Does It Usually Take To Get Pregnant?

You can never really say, rather it is impossible to say, when and how long you would take to get pregnant. Every woman’s body reacts to situations differently from the others. Factors such as age, general health, reproductive health, mental and emotional health, and sexual health are some of the key factors that are instrumental in improving your chances of getting pregnant.
As cited in a paper published in 2004 by David B. Dunson, a distinguished American statistician at Duke University, out of 100 couples that try to conceive naturally:

  • About 20 conceive within a month
  • 70 conceive within 6 months
  • 85 will conceive within 1 year
  • About 90 conceive within a year and a half
  • 95 conceive in 2 years

Please note that these statistics are just averages. While some couples have a high monthly fertility making it possible to conceive in any given month, some have a low monthly fertility causing them to take longer to conceive than the others.
Quite understandably, waiting for two years to conceive naturally can be a long wait for most couples. However, it is important not to compare yourselves with other couples, and not lose hope and patience. Also read: How To Stay Positive When Everyone Is Getting Pregnant, But You?

What Could Be The Reasons For A Delayed Conception?

There are some general reasons for non-conception or delayed conception. Knowing about these general and basic parameters could help you plan a baby better. Take a look:

  • Age: Your age plays a key role in your chances of getting pregnant. Female fertility begins to decline after the age 30. Male fertility also begins to decline, but at a later age than the females. Hence, doctors suggest planning a baby before you turn 30 or at the most 35
  • Diet and Lifestyle: Your diet and lifestyle choices also affect your chances of conceiving. If too much junk and fatty food, and alcohol are a part of your diet, then conceiving could take longer. Similarly, if regular smoking, substance abuse, irregular eating habit and sleep patterns make up your lifestyle, then it could pose a problem with conception
  • Weight: Your weight also determines how soon you could conceive. Women in the normal weight range of basal metabolic rate (BMI) 18-24 find it easier to conceive than those beyond this BMI
  • Stress: With increasing work pressure and fast-paced lives, stress has become a part of the urban couple’s lifestyle. Your work, frequency of travel, critical timelines and so on also play a vital role in determining how early you could conceive
  • Health conditions: If you have any chronic illnesses such as thyroid disorders, poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pituitary gland disorders, or certain kidney or liver diseases, conception could take a while
  • Emotional well-being: Your emotional health is also critical in the process of conceiving a baby. A healthy and stress-free emotional and mental state is essential for early conception
  • Frequency of intercourse: How often you have sex, that is, your sexual health and relationship with your partner also determines your propensity of conception

Whatever be your condition, it is advisable that you see a gynecologist for a pre pregnancy check up.
not getting pregnant with d

How Could You Improve Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant?

After having known all the above, you may be wondering about all the things that you and your partner should indulge in and do to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Well, read on to know about it.

  • Have regular sex: Having sex twice or thrice a week certainly increases the chances of getting pregnant. You could also time your intercourse as per your most fertile days around ovulation. If you are not sure when you will be ovulating, it is advisable to get ovulation prediction kit or look for signs of ovulation like cervical mucus to make it simple for you. Also most important remember to enjoy each other’s company and not worry about getting pregnant at such times
  • Live a healthy lifestyle: Make positive alterations to your diet and lifestyle choices. Cut down on caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. Say no to recreational drugs and tobacco altogether
  • Get fit: Bring fitness into your life by taking to exercises such as running, swimming, yoga, dancing or aerobics. If you are overweight, make a conscious effort to lose the extra weight, while if you are underweight, incorporate foods to your diet plan that will help you gain a decent amount of weight
When To See The Doctor?

Despite your best efforts and in the event of non-conception beyond two years of trying to conceive naturally, it is wise to consult your gynecologist and get yourself and your partner tested to know the health of your individual reproductive system. Your doctor will evaluate your case against these general parameters and then offer to take the next steps, in the form of further medical investigations and treatment. The doctor will perform tests to rule out fertility-related problems and explain a further line of treatment.
It is important to note that you must allow yourself enough and more time to get pregnant. Often, it is Mother Nature playing her part. So relax because the good news it that most couple will ultimately get pregnant even in a way that they have imagined. Also, medical science has answers in terms of sperm donation and intrauterine insemination, invitro fertilization, surrogacy and adoption.
Just remember you are not alone in this journey. We wish you the best in your journey of conception and thereafter!

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