When is the best time to conceive?
Conceiving is not as easy as people consider it to be. While it is easier for some women, it is equally hard for others. A lot of which also depends on the menstrual cycle of the woman.
Doctors advice on timing the ovulation dates with the intercourse to increase the chances of fertilization. The fertility period lasts for only six days in a month: the day of ovulation and the five days prior to it.
The chances of fertilization depend on the eggs released from the woman’s ovaries as well as the man’s sperm count. Hence, equal emphasis should be laid on women and men when it comes to fertilization.
Precautions you should take before conceiving
Prenatal care should ideally start even before conceiving. We suggest you consult a gynaecologist, get tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and examine the fertility rates of both you and your partner.
If you are already under medication for chronic ailments, like, asthma, high blood pressure, allergies, any heart-related problem, lupus, mental health or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), consult your doctor to make sure it does not affect your pregnancy.
Some of these medicines might be stopped during the first trimester to reduce the risk to the foetus. Women who are trying to conceive are also suggested to refrain from alcohol and tobacco. It is also better to cut back on caffeine consumption, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Sex Positions to Conceive
There are various sex positions to get pregnant:
1. Missionary Position
Missionary PositionOne of the most common positions for getting pregnant, the missionary position allows the sperm to be deposited closer to the cervix in the upper region of the vagina, thereby facilitating easy access to the uterine and cervical canal. In this position, the woman lies on her back, while the man remains on top to perform penetrative intercourse.
2. Doggie Style
Another popular sex position for conceiving, the doggie style allows deeper penetration. It opens up the cervix and helps the sperm to fertilize the egg faster. This position requires the man to penetrate from behind while the woman remains on all four, supporting her body weight.
3. Anvil Position
The anvil or the mermaid position requires the woman to lie face up on the edge of a bed, countertop or a desk, with a pillow underneath her pelvis area. The pillow allows some elevation which helps the woman in extending her legs upwards in the air while the man performs vaginal intercourse in a standing position.
This position offers a high chance of conception because it allows deep penetration. The raised legs also stimulate the G-spot of the woman to add extra pleasure.
4. Glowing Triangle Position
One of the creative sex positions from Kamasutra, this position requires the woman to lie flat on her back, wrapping her thighs and legs around the man who is kneeling facing her. This position also allows for deeper penetration, thereby increasing the chances of conception.
5. Magic Mountain
A variation of the doggie style, the magic mountain position requires the man to bend over while the woman’s back is against his chest. Cushions and pillows can be used for better support and comfort. This position allows faster and deeper movement of sperm and is effective in many cases.
6. Butterfly Position
A variation of the anvil position, in this position, the woman lies on a desk, countertop or a table, resting her hips on the man’s shoulder, while he penetrates her. The butterfly position is considered one of the most effective sex for pregnancy as it allows the sperm to stay in the vagina for a longer period of time.
7. Plough Position
One of the most adventurous sex positions, the plough or Standing Wheelbarrow position requires the woman to form a half-plank while she supports her body weight on her hands and rests her sheen against his thighs while he penetrates her in a standing position. This position should be performed on the floor. Due to the force of gravity, the sperm travels deeper into the cervix in this position.
8. Reverse Cowgirl Position
This position requires the woman to be on top controlling the depth and rate of penetration. It is an excellent position for comfortable conception.
9. Splitting Bamboo Position
An extremely adventurous posture, this Kamasutra pose requires the woman to raise one of her legs and place it against the man’s shoulders while he straddles her. This position is not only great for sexual satisfaction but also improves the chances of conception.
Myths around intercourse positions to get pregnant
Myth 1: Lying down after sex helps in faster conception
Fact: Standing up to go to the bathroom causes gravity to pull the sperm away from the cervix. Lying down for 15 minutes after the intercourse lets the sperm to travel to the egg, thereby increasing the chances of fertilization.
Myth 2: Certain sex positions enhances the chances of conception
Fact: There is no scientifically proven evidence to back the claim. Doctors suggest performing intercourse in whatever position feels comfortable. However, we suggest lying back for some time so that the sperm does not pull away from the cervix.
Myth 3: having sex every day increases the chances of pregnancy
Fact: According to The New England Journal of Medicine, having frequent sex increases slight chances of fertilization.
Myth 4: Sex at mornings help in faster conception
Fact: Researchers have found that the sperm count in the semen is higher in the morning. Thus, morning sex does increase slight chances of pregnancy.
Myth 5: Aphrodisiacs boost sex drives
Fact: Although the FDA claims no evidence to back such a statement, researchers have found out that certain herbs and supplements increase the libido and stimulate the hormones.
Ways to get pregnant faster
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Take prenatal supplements.
- Lower your caffeine consumption.
- Keep in mind the age-related fertility concerns.
- Cut down on strenuous exercises.
- Maintain normal body weight.
Disclaimer: Even in 2020, female infanticide is still prevalent in certain parts of the world. Often women are blamed and subjected to violence for giving birth to girl children. Before you go through this article, we would like to remind you that a woman has XX chromosomes and the man is responsible for the gender of the child which has 50-50 probability. The X chromosome of the sperm when fertilizes the egg results in XX chromosomes (or, a girl child.) When the Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, resulting in XY chromosomes, the woman conceives a boy child. A woman should not be held responsible for the gender of the baby.
Also Read: Safe And Comfortable Pregnancy Sex Positions
