Well, it’s time for a biology lesson.

Hands down the quickest way to get pregnant is by learning about your body.

Knowing your ovulation cycle inside out will give you a huge advantage to getting pregnant.

As a woman, you’ll be familiar with the menstrual part of your cycle. It’s obvious when this happens, you can physically see it.

But did you know your body also gives you other signs to signal when you are most fertile?

These signals are really easy to learn and will help you tune into your body.

This guide will help you learn how to track your ovulation cycle. Don’t worry if you hate biology at school, I’ll explain it all so it really easy to understand.

There is a lot of information to remember, so I recommend you Pin it or bookmark it for later.

Let’s get tracking.

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Ovulation Cycle Tracking for Beginners

Why Cycle tracking is important

Regardless of whether you are trying for a baby or not, tracking your ovulation cycle is great for all women. Knowing your most fertile days can help you get pregnant or try to avoid getting pregnant. This guide assumes you are trying to get pregnant.

As soon as you decide to try for a baby, start tracking your cycle. Having around 3-12 months of cycles will give you a good idea of what’s going on during your cycle.

It can also help you pinpoint any issues with your cycle that can cause problems when TTC.

Most textbooks will give information based on a 28-day cycle with ovulation on day 14. You may be surprised to know that your cycle is shorter/longer or you ovulate earlier or later than this.

Ovulation Cycle Basics

You may see your ovulation cycle referred to as your menstrual cycle, fertility cycle or period cycle. They all refer to recurring events that happen in your body during your fertile years. Each month your body will go through the following phases:

• Menstruation
• Follicular Phase
• Ovulation
• Luteal Phase

If you don’t get pregnant it will happen all over again.  The length of time this takes is called a ‘cycle’ and will normally vary 21-40 days from the start of your period to the start of your next period.

Let’s look at what happens to your body during each cycle. This diagram is handy to know what areas I’m talking about in the next few paragraphs.

Menstruation

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day you bleed on your period. This is the shedding of your womb lining which signals that your body is not pregnant.

A period will usually last three to seven days with heavier and lighter flows of bleeding. You’ll need to use either sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups to catch the bleeding.

Hormone changes a can cause you to feel common physical and emotional signs including:

• Bloating
• Tender breast
• Mood swings
• Irritable
• Loss of interest in sex

You may experience all or none of these symptoms.

If you are concerned about your periods it best to see your doctor before trying for a baby. This may indicate gynae problems which need treatment.

Follicular Phase

This begins the day after your period ends up until ovulation. It usually lasts for around a week. Hormones are released to start stimulating the eggs in your ovaries. The release of hormones will make you feel a lot better and usually sexier as you gear up toward ovulation.

Your ‘fertile window’ will open near the end of this week. This is the few days before you ovulate. It’s the best time to have sex so the sperm is waiting for the egg as soon as you ovulate.

Ovulation

Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from your fallopian tube. This can happen anytime from one to three weeks after your period stops. This huge time difference is why it’s so important to learn your own cycle.

As soon as your body releases the egg you are ready to get pregnant. The egg only lives for 12-24 hours. That’s a very short timeframe to get pregnant and if no sperm is waiting it easy to miss.

Luteal Phase

This is the phase of your cycle which happens after ovulation until the time your next period starts (or is expected).

If the egg gets fertilized by sperm, it travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the womb. This usually happens around 6-12 days after you ovulate.

Your baby then starts to grow and produce hormones which give a positive pregnancy test.

If the egg is not fertilized it reabsorbed into your body. Your womb will know the egg has not implanted and will being to shed. The release of this lining is when your period starts again.

Ovulation Cycle Hormones

There are 4 main hormones involved in your ovulation cycle. It’s not essential to know them in depth. However, knowing the basics will help you understand how most ovulation tracking techniques work. Problems with these hormones can cause infertility or be altered with infertility medications.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

This is a hormone released in the brain. Its release begins at the start of your cycle increasing each day.

The job of FSH is to mature the eggs in your ovary. These eggs then start to make a hormone called estrogen. Eventually, one (or two) eggs will become dominant and be ready for release.

Estrogen

As the eggs mature they release estrogen. These levels keep steadily rising through your cycle.

The estrogen causes your body to thicken your womb lining to prepare for a baby. It also causes your body to make sperm friendly mucus to aid fertilization.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Once estrogen reaches peak levels it causes the brain to release LH.

LH causes the ovary to release the mature egg.

This release is known as the LH surge as it peaks and falls quickly on a chart. This LH surge can be easily detected by ovulation tests. This means we can track LH to give a better idea of how soon ovulation will happen.

Related: Clearblue Fertility Monitor Review

Progesterone

As soon as you ovulate the ovary produces another hormone called progesterone. This hormone builds up the womb lining more to expect a fertilized egg.

Progesterone also causes a subtle spike in body temperature which can be detected of your cycle. This gives a good indication ovulation has occurred. You can learn more about basal body temperatures later in this guide.

If you fall pregnant your body keeps producing progesterone to support your pregnancy. If you are not pregnant your progesterone levels fall, the womb lining shed and your period starts.

Okay, are you keeping up so far? I told you there is a lot to learn but stick with me as we’re about to discuss what you can do with all this information.

Identify your most fertile days

These are the three most common methods used to pinpoint fertile days.

Basal body Temperature (BBT)

Remember your body temperature increases once you ovulate. That means you can monitor your temperature to show when you ovulated.

This method involves taking a vaginal temperature every morning before you get out of bed.

The temperatures are then charted and will show a pattern. This pattern is best used when done with a few cycles to compare. You should see a pattern of lower temps and then a rise at some point in your cycle. Ovulation has occurred by the time the temp shifts, but the information will give you an idea of what days to expect o ovulate.

Cervical mucus

During your cycle, your vagina will produce a discharge which indicates how fertile you are.

After your period you should start to see a dry, sticky or lotion like discharge. This will start to change into a clear, slippery and stretchy discharge. This is known as egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) as this is what it will look like. This mucus makes it easier for sperm to swim to the egg.

The days you have EWCM are the best days to have sex.

Ovulation sticks

You can take a test which indicates if you are ovulation or not. Just like a pregnancy test, this is done by peeing on a stick.

The result will give a positive or negative based on your LH hormone levels. Any day which shows even a faint positive is a good day to have sex. The positive shows your body is about to ovulate soon.

Cycle Charting

The best way to understand it all is to start charting your own cycle as soon as possible.

Start with the first day of your next period and observe and document all the things we’ve discussed.

You can either do it manually on a blank printed chart, use an app or both.

Apps can be good as they can detect your fertile days from the info you put in.

That being said there is no substitute for knowing your own body and these apps can sometimes throw results which confuse you.

You will start to notice common patterns with each cycle you chart. After around 3 cycles you’ll get a better idea of your:

• Cycle length
• Ovulation day
• Length of luteal phase

This makes it easier for you to know when you’re fertile and the best time to take a pregnancy test.

Charting Apps I love

• My Fertility Friend (iPhone or Android)
• Ovia (iPhone or Android)
• LadyTimer (iPhone or Android)

Dealing with Irregular cycles

After charting for a few months you don’t see any pattern to your cycle you may want to discuss this with your doctor. You can use your cycle charts to give your doctor or a fertility specialist an idea of what has been going on in your cycle. This can help to diagnose medical conditions which are affecting your fertility and get you started on the right treatment.

The post Ovulation Cycle Tracking Basics – Beginners Guide when TTC appeared first on Stork Mama.

We all know it takes two to tango, but the pregnancy prep should just be left to the women.

There is a lot that your partner can do to improve your chances of falling pregnant quickly. In fact, these tips will improve your partner’s health and get your baby off to the best start in life.

Male fertility issues account for around 40% of couples struggling to get pregnant. That means your partner needs to put a bit more in effort than simply doing the deed.

Sperm renews every 72 days. Therefore the ideal time to start is at least 3 months before your first attempt at trying to conceive (TTC). However, I’d recommend starting as soon as you decide to TTC.

Keep this guide close at hand and bookmark or pin it to refer to later. Of if you find it useful share it with your friends who are trying for a baby.

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9 Ways to Improve Male Fertility

1. Fertility Diet

Let’s start with the basics. We all know most healthy living advice will focus on diet. There are special issues men should consider for sperm health.

Healthy weight

When trying for a baby your partner should aim for a BMI of 18-25. This means they are a healthy weight for their height.

Its known that being underweight or overweight affects your man’s fertility. The reason is due to hormone imbalances which affect the sperm quality.

If your partner is overweight it also puts them at greater risk of erectile dysfunction. Also, extra weight can cause low libido and low body confidence which can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

Nutrient-rich foods

The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a good diet. That means lots of healthy fruit, vegetables, protein, and whole grains. This will provide your partner with the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy sperm.

If your partner is struggling to get the right nutrients, a good multivitamin is a great diet booster.

Try to avoid your intake of refined, processed and soy-rich foods. These are known to lower sperm producing testosterone levels. Cutting down your salt intake will also improve sperm quality.

Water intake

Drinking enough water to stay hydrated will improve sperm motility. Your partner’s semen will be thinner making it easier for the sperm to swim.

Try sticking to plain water. It’s known that high caffeine or alcohol intake is harmful to sperm count and quality.

2. Fertility Exercise

Keeping fit is a great way for your partner to keep his body weight in check. It also improves his sperm quality. It’s recommended he exercises moderately (3 times a week for 1 hr) when trying for a baby. Over-exercising or no exercise at all is linked to higher rates of male infertility. This is what you should know about exercising when TTC.

Type of exercise

When trying for a baby not all exercises are equal. Some will actually be harmful towards the sperm. It’s best to avoid excessive ‘sitting’ sports such as cycling, motorcycles, rowing, sailing or horse riding. These reduce the blood flow to the testicles and increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

If your partner isn’t keen on exercise then a simple walk, swim or yoga session can improve their sperm quality.

Keep it Cool

It’s important to make sure your partner keeps their testicles as cool as possible when exercising. The activity can cause overheating which is bad for the sperm.

For the same reason, it’s best to avoid relaxing in the gym sauna, hot tub or steam room after a good workout.

Make sure they wear loose or airflow fabrics which keeps their groin area cool.

Regular Sleep

When you are regularly exercising it just as important to let your body rest. A lack of sleep can reduce your chances of having a baby by 30%. Lack of sleep is thought to reduce testosterone levels which affect sperm production.

Lack of sleep can also lead to poor mental health and increase rates of depression and fatigue.

3. Cut out the Vices

Your partner probably has a few bad habits which he already knows is bad for his health. Trying for a baby is a great way to turn over a new leaf and ditch the unhealthy lifestyle. The upside is he will be healthier, save money and be a better role model for your baby.

Smoking

Your partner already knows smoking is bad for their general health, but did he know it affects his fertility too? Studies have shown that even moderate smoking can affect his sperm count, motility and causes sperm defects.

Smoking is also related to higher use of IVF and miscarriage rates. Remember that even if you don’t smoke, your partner’s second-hand smoke is not good for pregnancy.

If he is struggling to give up cold turkey, try using aids such as nicotine patches or gum. The Allen Carr Easy Way Method is highly rated and very effective, particularly for men.

Alcohol

It’s recommended that men have no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day. That is counted as a bottle of beer, small wine or a shot of spirits or liquor.

It’s unlikely drinking this amount or less will affect your chances of conceiving. Drinking more than this can affect sperm quality and testosterone levels. Heavy drinking can also cause erection and libido issues.

Drugs

Recreational and street drug use is extremely bad for your partner’s health and also illegal. Your partner must give up this habit if you are trying for a baby. This includes steroid use for exercise purposes.

Drug use can result in sperm deformities which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or poor baby development. It’s not an environment you want to bring a baby into.

If your partner is are struggling to give up you should put TTC on hold until they are drug-free. Child protective services may be involved if your partner is known to continue using drugs.

Related: How to Get Baby Body Ready a Guide for TTC Moms

4. Work Environment

Working in a certain environment can have a huge effect on your partner’s fertility. You should consider the job they do and the risks it presents to your partner.

Poor environments which affect sperm are:

• Heat. If your partner is a chef, fireman, baker or foundry they are working in higher than average temperatures.
• Chemicals and solvents. Some chemical can interfere with your partner’s hormone production. This includes farm workers, pest control, cleaners, printers, and painters.
• Radiation. Your partner should be restricted to how much radiation they are exposed to. This should prevent any damage to sperm. They may want to avoid getting extra radiation at home from microwaves or phone use.
• Heavy Metals. Working with metals such as lead and cadmium are known to lower fertility.

Protecting Fertility at work

Your employer should already have health and safety procedures in place for high-risk environments. It’s important to follow these procedures and don’t take shortcuts.

Always follow correct instructions and wear the proper protective gear.

If you are concerned about your work environment, speak to human resources, health and safety department or your work union.

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5. Medical Health

Your Partners medical health will have a big impact on his fertility. Having a close look at everything before you start TTC can save a lot of heartaches and waiting.

This is what he needs to look into:

Family History

Your partner’s family health can shed light on any issue that may crop up. If his parents struggled to conceive the issue may be inherited. It’s not really an issue you may want to discuss with parents, but any significant medical and genetic history are important.

Any inherited family conditions should be noted as these may be passed on to your baby.

Existing Conditions

Your Partner should see a doctor before TTC if you have a known or previous medical conditions. This includes:

• Genetic conditions
• Hormone imbalance
• Previous surgery or injury to the penis or testicles
• Previous cancers
• Existing pain, discomfort or lumps in penis, testicles or prostate

Medications

It’s important he has a review of any medication before you try for a baby. There are medications that are known to cause issues with male fertility. Common treatments include:

• Steroids for asthma
• Antibiotics
• Heart medications
• Fungal treatments,
• Acid reflux treatment,
• Blood pressure medication
• chrons medication
• Arthritis treatment

Your partner should always discuss any prescription medication with his doctor. He should never discontinue use without medical advice.

6. Sexual Health

Most male infertility is caused by issues affecting the male sex organs, hormones or sperm. A health check or physical exam will flag any problems before you begin TTC.

Sexual Problems

Your partner should seek medical advice if he is having issues with a sexual function such as low sex drive, erection or ejaculation problems.

These issues will make it very difficult or impossible to get pregnant.

Infections

It’s important your partner is being treated for any sexually transmitted diseases before you start having unprotected sex. Not only can you pass this on to you, but also your baby.

Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are known to cause infertility if not treated. Other untreated STD’s can be extremely harmful in pregnancy or to your newborn baby.

Sperm Health

Problems with sperm quality, motility, shape, and count can all lower your chances of getting pregnant.

The most common cause is that sperm count is low or absent. Your doctor won’t usually check for sperm issues unless you have been TTC for at least a year. You buy a home SpermCheck Fertility Test, which is like a pregnancy test. It lets you know within 10 minutes if your partners’ sperm count is normal or low.

7. Fertility Supplements

A balanced diet is the best way for your partner to get essential nutrients. Fertility supplements are a great way to get the recommended levels. This may be harder to achieve if he has allergies, intolerance or follows a special diet.

Your partner should start taking these at least three months before you start TTC. That way the sperm produced in that time will be better quality.

Vitamin C

Known to improve sperm motility and reduce defects. Taking a daily 1000mg supplement for two months increased sperm count by 100%. You can find natural sources of Vitamin C in berries, oranges, broccoli, leafy veg and bell peppers.

Zinc

Low levels of zinc are known to cause infertility. Zinc improves testosterone production which improves sperm quality. A 100-200mg daily zinc supplement is recommended. Up his intake with a diet full of beans, nuts, and seafood

L-Arginine

This is a fantastic amino acid that helps all aspects of male fertility. It promotes blood flow for erections and improves sperm motility. Aim to take a daily supplement of 4-8g a day. Good dietary sources include egg yolks, pork, chicken, and turkey.

A good multivitamin like Fertilaid is a simple way to get all these nutrients in one supplement.

8. Mental Health

It’s common knowledge that men are bad at dealing with their feelings. They are more likely to bottle things up and suffer mental health in silence. Trying for a baby can be extremely stressful on men too. It can trigger depression, anxiety, and poor self-image. These suggestions will help your partner cope when trying for a baby.

Stress

It is now known that stress can lower sperm count and quality.  When the body is stressed it effects your hormone. In men, this means a lowering of testosterone.

Trying for a baby can put stress on your partner due to the need to ‘perform’. He may feel nervous that his manhood is now being tested.

The good news is that sex is a stress reliever. As a couple, talk about how to keep things fun in the bedroom.

Support

If your partner is known to have mental health issues he needs the right support.

This will depend on what the issue is and how severe it affects him. He may need to see a doctor for diagnosis and medication. Counseling and therapy are also great ways to discuss his mental health problems.

Work together and encourage him to be open. You can get him to sign up for online groups where he can speak to men in the same situation.

Relaxation

It is essential your partner takes time to rest and relax when TTC.  This will help him to sleep better, manage stress and improve his sperm quality.

Organize times when you both have some alone time doing your own thing. Then arrange dates so you can spend quality time relaxing together.

Great ways to de-stress are hobbies, playing an instrument, exercise or meditation. He might even want to try adult coloring books or even blogging/journaling about his TTC journey.

9. Everyday Life

It’s best to get your partner to think about his general lifestyle and the small changes he can make to make TTC a lot quicker.

Beat the Heat

The testicles hand outside the body for a reason. It’s because sperm needs to be cooler to survive. Get your partner to think about whether he is regularly overheating his groin. For example, does he drive to work, sit all day, come home and sit with a laptop on his groin then take a hot bath? Individually these things won’t affect sperm, but when they are added together and done daily that’s going to cause problems for your partner.

Frequent Release

All fertility experts agree on one thing – lack of ejaculation is very bad for sperm health. Although a daily release won’t hurt, it’s best for him to do it every 3 days. This improves sperm health and gets rid of defective sperm to replace it with new and healthy ones. You don’t need to have full sex every time, but it can be fun for you to give him a helping hand.

Avoid Plastics

As a nation, we use a lot more plastics than ever before. The effect this has on male fertility is out for debate. Plastics are known to cause hormone imbalances. It’s unlikely this is severe enough to cause any problems but it not a bad idea to try and cut down on using them.

Food and drink are subject to a lot of plastic use. Great alternatives to use are BPA free plastics, glass or stainless steel containers or bottles.

The post 9 Ways To Improve Male Fertility To Get Pregnant Quickly appeared first on Stork Mama.

You CAN have the best of both worlds. Using an early pregnancy test is the perfect solution for you. Finding the best early pregnancy test can be stressful, so we’ve done the time-consuming research for you. Check out our list of the best early pregnancy tests on the market.

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Best Early Pregnancy Test Comparisons

Pregnancy Test	Model	Type	Content	Price	Rating
	Wondfo combo	Dipstick	50 Ovulation & 20 Pregnancy Tests	$$$	4.1 Stars
	Easy@Home pregnancy tests	Dipstick	25 Tests	$$	4.5 Stars
	ClinicalGuard Pregnancy Test	Dipstick	50 Tests	$$	4.5 Stars
	First Response Early Result	Midstream	3 Tests	$$$	4.2 Stars
	TrueStick Home Early Result	Dipstick	25 Tests	$$	3.9 Stars
	Clearblue digital pregnancy tests	Digital	3 Tests	$$$	4.0 Stars
	AZHEALTH Early Detection	Midstream	3 Tests	$$	4.6 Stars
	fasStep Early Detection	Cassette	20 Tests	$$$	3.8 Stars

5 Best Early Pregnancy Test Reviews

1. First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test

Pros: accurate, early testing, wide stick, easy to read
Cons: indents, single units pricey

The First Response Early Result is bestselling early pregnancy test online. This test can detect pregnancy for around 50% of women 6 days before your period is due. This percentage with each day closer to your period. The sensitivity rate is 25 mIU/ml which will detect almost all pregnancies at 3-4 weeks pregnant. You can read the results within 3 minutes of testing.

It’s a midstream design so you test directly from your urine stream and close with a cap. This makes it really convenient and hygienic to use. The curved handle and wide tip make it easy to position for a sample. The result window is simple to read with a control line with a second line if you are pregnant. We recommend buying the bigger pack to test more often in case of false negatives.

2. Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips

Pros: Easy to use, accurate, inexpensive
Cons: Requires collection pot, narrow strips

The Easy@Home pregnancy tests are a reliable budget option. With a detection level of 25 mIU/ml you may be able to detect pregnancy as early as 1 week after ovulation. The results are easy to read with two lines, no matter how faint, indication pregnancy. Strong positives will show immediately and early positive taking 3-5 minutes.

Each pregnancy test is individually foil wrapped for hygiene. These are a dipstick design so you will need a collection cup for urine. These sticks are not suitable for midstream samples as they are too narrow and flimsy. There are 25 tests in a packet so you can test numerous times if you get a negative first time, without breaking the bank.

3. Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown

Pros: Digital results, easy to read, accurate, no mess, and countdown to results
Cons: Expensive

The Clearblue digital pregnancy tests are the best option to avoid misinterpreting results. Ghost lines on a test can sometime cause confusion as whether you are pregnant or not. This test will count down to the results and show as ‘pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant’.

They are midstream tests with a wide tip and flood guard making them very hygienic to use. With a 25mIU/ml sensitivity the tests are really accurate. You may even be able to detect pregnancy 5 days before a missed period. They are slightly more expensive than other brands with a box of 3 for retesting. If you don’t want to agonise over whether it’s a positive or not then buy this pregnancy test.

4. ClinicalGuard Pregnancy Test Strips

Pros: inexpensive, accurate, no ghost lines
Cons: no hygiene features

If you’re a bit of a test-a-holic then check out the ClinicalGuard Pregnancy Test Strips. These tests are very basic but you can do a lot of testing with 50 sticks. The 25 mIU/ml sensitivity can detect pregnancy early and accurately before your period.

The tests are simple dipstick designed so have a disposable cup on had to use them. After dipping in a urine sample the result will appear within 5 minutes. Two lines indicate pregnancy and one line means not pregnant or HCG levels are still low. With so many tests to can test numerous times a day to catch your positive as early as possible.

5. Wondfo Combo Tests

Pros: Ovulation and regency tests, accurate, easy to use, USA brand
Cons: prone to evaporation lines

The Wondfo combo kit is perfect if you are trying to conceive quickly. The kit comes with 50 ovulation stick to pinpoint the best day to fall pregnant. The 25 pregnancy tests also allow you to start testing for pregnancy as early as possible. Ovulation sticks can tell you a lot about your ovulation as not all women follow the textbook 14 days after your period.

Similar to clinic stick you need to dip the tests into a sample of urine for 10 seconds. The results can be read within 5 minutes for a result. With a detection level of 25 mIU these tests are just as sensitive as the most expensive brands. We would recommend these stick if you have just started trying for a baby. If you have been trying for a longer time you may want to invest in a higher quality test.

Related: The best time to take a pregancy test

Types of Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is used to detect a hormone called HGC in your body. This hormone is released as soon as you get pregnant. The two methods the HGC hormone can be found are from your blood or from your urine.

Blood Test for Pregnancy

A simple blood test can analyzed to detect the HCG in your blood. You will need to visit the doctor for this test. The results will usually take around 2-3 days. Pregnancy blood tests are a good early indication of pregnancy. This method can give a positive result as soon as 6-8 days after ovulation.

Doctors can choose from two types of analysis of the blood tests.

• Quantative (or beta HCG test) – This measures the exact amount of HCG in your blood, making it very accurate. Rising levels will confirm a pregnancy with further testing. A miscarriage can also be diagnosed if your HGC levels begin to fall from previous results.
• Qualitative – This will check to see if the hormone is pregnant or not. If the hormone is present you are pregnant, if absent you are not pregnant. This blood test is as accurate as pregnancy urine test.

Urine Test for Pregnancy

A sample of your urine can be used with a HGC detection strip. The results will take around 3-5 minutes. The hormone will only be detected when it reaches a certain level in your system. The earliest detection is around 20 mIU/ml, however the FDA recommend using a test with a 25 mIU/ml detection to prevent false results. Urine tests usually give positive results 7-14 days after ovulation.

Pregnancy urine testing is available professionally or home use.

• Professional – A caregiver such as a doctor or midwife will perform the test. You need to provide them with a fresh urine sample. They will ‘dip’ the detection stick and inform you if you are pregnant or not. Professional testing will prevent any mistakes being made during the testing so result are more likely to be accurate. A clinic will usually charge around $10-$15 per test not including consultation fee.
• Home Pregnancy Test – You perform the test at home with a kit purchased from a store or online. Follow the instruction on the packet to ensure accurate results, they are fairly easy to use. Home pregnancy tests are inexpensive especially if purchased in bulk. Testing at home means you can have privacy to perform and read the results.

Home Pregnancy Test Methods

The method used to add the urine to the detection stick will determine how easy the pregnancy test is to use and read. Let’s check out the four different types available:

Midstream

Midstream pregnancy tests are detection sticks open and one end with a cassette at the other end. The idea is to hold onto the cassette and aim the stick into your urine stream. This method is really convenient and does not require a collection of urine. It’s a hygiene ‘hands off’ approach to testing.

Digital

These are midstream tests which give a digital reading. The result will appear as ’pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant’ so there is no confusion over the result. The level detected can also indicate roughly how pregnant you are in weeks. These tests are very easy to use but are often the most expensive option.

Dipstick

Stick pregnancy tests are plain detection strips. They are small and flexible with a thin test area. They are designed to be dipped into a urine sample. You will need a collection pot for your urine, which is not provided with the kit. Some women find them fiddly and unhygienic to use. These sticks are very cheap to buy and a great option if you test often. These test are the type used by professionals and can be difficult to ready if you’re not experience with home pregnancy tests.

Cassette

Cassette tests are fully enclosed detection sticks. You need a small urine sample to collect a few drops. A dropper is provided for you to drop urine into the cassette. These are an inexpensive option however can be fiddly to use.

How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy Test Buying Criteria

There are a number of factor to consider before buying a pregnancy test. If you’re confused about what to look these can be used as a checklist to narrow down your options.

1. Ease of Use – consider how easy the pregnancy test will be to use. Can it be used straight out the packet or do you need a collection pot. Are the instruction easy to follow or very basic.
2. Results – You need to be able to interpret the results to figure out if you’re pregnant or not. Most tests have a control line and a second line which appear if you are pregnant. Is the result area wide or is it difficult to read. Digital pregnancy tests are best for easy result reading. Average time to read a result is 3-5 minutes.
3. Detection – Tests can detect as little as 10 mIU/ml up to 100 mIU/ml of HGC. The lower the number the earlier results are detected. That being said early detection strips have an accuracy of around 75% when carried out at 6 days post ovulation. The FDA recommend a test of at least 25 mIU/ml for most accurate results.
4. Hygiene – Do you prefer to deal with urine samples or use a more direct method? A midstream sample is best for hygiene and convenience. Strips and cassettes require you to handle urine sample to use the test.
5. Price – You can find pregnancy test to fit most all budgets. A single branded pregnant test can cost around $6-$10 from a drugstore. To save money buy online in bulk and reduce to cost to as little as 35 cents per test.

Advantages of an Early Pregnancy Test

Minimal Wait

The two week wait until you have a missed period can drive you insane. If you’re impatient or stressing an early pregnancy test can save you a few days of stress.

Stop Mediation

Your doctor may have advised to stop certain prescription medication if you get pregnant. The sooner you discover you’re pregnant the less risk you present to you baby in those important early stages.

Lifestyle Changes

Habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol should be stopped during pregnancy. Finding out you are pregnant can give you a great reason to quit or at least cut back.

Risk Assessment

You place of employment may present a risk to your baby. If you job entails radiation, chemicals, fumes or physical dangers you may need a reassignment of duties as soon as possible.

Announcement

The first few weeks is a risky time to announce to a pregnancy to friends and family. However if your partner works away or a special event is coming up, a cute pregnancy announcement to them may be on the cards.

Disadvantages of an Early Pregnancy Test

False Positive

Early pregnancy tests have a lower accuracy rate the earlier they are used. The closer you use to you period the better chance you have of accurate results. It’s possible to have a negative test even if you are pregnant.

More testing

If you get a negative test the first day we recommend retesting in a few days. This can get costly if you are using single branded tests.

Early Miscarriage

Women can often conceive and miscarry before their period is due. It’s also known as a chemical pregnancy or missed miscarriage as most women never know they are pregnant. Finding out early can lead to heartbreak and grieving for a loss that may have been unnoticed otherwise.

The post Best Early Pregnancy Test Reviews For Home Use appeared first on Stork Mama.

Then you’re in the right place.

Let’s face it cervical mucus isn’t something you really talk about with your girlfriends.

So getting tips on how to make it more fertile can be tricky to find when you are trying for a baby.

Cervical mucus is the vaginal discharge you get during your cycle which improves your chances of getting pregnant.

During certain times of your cycle, your cervical mucus is better for conceiving. Fertile cervical mucus is also known as egg white cervical mucus as that’s what it looks and feels like.

The environment fertile cervical mucus creates is perfect for nourishing sperm and help it travel towards the egg.

Better cervical mucus = higher chances of getting pregnant.

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Cervical mucus changes throughout your cycle. From thick and creamy non-fertile to lots of watery, sticky fertile mucus. It is an excellent natural way of detecting when you are most fertile.

It doesn’t cost anything to monitor, and you don’t need to buy equipment. If it’s taking a while for you to get pregnant, investigating your cervical fluid can flag up any issues including:

• Quantity – Not making enough
• Consistency – It’s too thick
• Quality – Acidic pH

Stork Mama put the question to pregnant moms: How did you improve your cervical mucus?

Answers were varied and wide; we sorted them for the most popular answers. Keep in mind a few of these suggestions are anecdotal or require studies to back up the claim.

Check out what we found.

Related: Best Fertility Lubricant Reviews for Trying To Conceive

Improve Egg White Cervical Mucus Quantity

1. Drink Water

This was our most popular answer for increasing the quantity of cervical mucus. Like most body secretions, cervical mucus is mainly made of water. Less cervical mucus will be made if your body is dehydrated. Make sure drink 8 glasses of water a day for healthy hydration.

If plain water isn’t your thing some women claim green tea improves their fertile mucus.

2. L-Arginine Supplements

The amino acid supplement L-Arginine supports the release of cervical mucus. It works by releasing nitric oxide which improves blood flow to your womb and vagina.

This helps you to release more discharge especially when ovulating. It can increase your libido and improve sexual sensation, so you are more likely to orgasm.

3. Get Fruity

Some women report grapefruit juice increases the amount of cervical mucus. You can drink fresh (not from concentrate) juice or eat one fruit a day. Some women have also reported the same effects with pineapple fruit, especially the core.

The theory is that they increase prostaglandins and pH of cervical mucus making it the best environment for sperm.

4. Eat Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which helps to create vitamin A. Low levels of Vitamin A are associated with low levels of cervical mucus. Vitamin A from dietary sources will improve both the volume and quality of cervical mucus.

Some women recommend eating them raw or drinking carrot juice if you prefer. Synthetic Vitamin A found in supplements is not recommend for fertility use as high levels can cause birth defects.

5. Herbal Supplements

Some herbal supplements have properties which protect mucus in the body (demulcent). These herbs have been used for centuries to improve blood flow, hormone balance and support reproductive organs.

You can take herbs as a loose herb, tea, capsule or tincture. The best herbs for increasing cervical mucus are:

• Licorice Root
• Marshmallow Root
• Red Clover Blossom
• Ginger Root
• Gingko Biloba

6. Alternative Therapy

If you want to improve your fertility health and well being then a variety of alternative therapies may help to increase your cervical mucus.

We advise you book an appointment with a therapy professional. Some therapies you may want to try are reflexology, acupuncture as well as:

Aromatherapy – Rose Otto oil is recommended to increase fertile fluid. It is not recommended in pregnancy so stop using it after you ovulate.

Acupressure – The Ren 14 point is well known for increasing cervical mucus.

Improve Egg White Cervical Mucus Consistency

7. Chesty Cough Syrup

Using a chesty cough syrup can thin out thick cervical mucus. This makes it easier for sperm to swim through in the vagina. The key ingredient is guaifenesin, which loosens mucus in the body.

Most moms recommend using Mucinex or Robitussin as the other ingredients won’t interfere with your fertility. Take as directed on the bottle from your last day of bleeding up until you ovulate.

8. Evening Primrose Oil

An evening primrose oil (EPO) supplement will both thin out and increase the amount of cervical mucus.

It works by encouraging the production of more prostaglandins. Semen is made of prostaglandins, so it makes the vagina a perfect environment for sperm to thrive in. It’s important to remember to stop taking EPO as soon as you ovulate. It can irritate the uterus after this point and can cause problems with implantation.

9. Vitamin C

A dose of vitamin C is known to improve the amount and constancy. It works by increasing the amount of water in your cervical mucus.

It also increases blood flow to your womb, making it more suitable for pregnancy. There are lots of fruit plentiful in Vitamin C including oranges, strawberries, and peppers. Be careful not to overdose as too much vitamin C can cause your mucus to become too acidic.

10. Flaxseed

Flaxseed works well with the estrogen in your body. Improve your estrogen levels, and you’ll make more fertile mucus. It works in a similar way to evening primrose oil. However, you can take it throughout your whole cycle.

Flaxseed provides your body with lots of healthy fatty acid oils for healthy baby growth.

Improve Egg White Cervical Mucus Quality

11. Eat Healthily

For a better quality cervical mucus, start to increase your vegetable intake. This will make your cervical mucus more alkaline (high pH). Sperm survives better in an alkaline environment than acidic.

There are whole diets dedicated to eating alkaline foods. If you don’t want to go too drastic, start by cutting out too many acidic processed and sugary foods.

12. Fertile CM Supplement

If you like the idea of taking a multi-vitamin to improve your cervical mucus, then try Fertile CM. It contains a lot of the vitamins we have already recommended such as L arginine, vitamin C and calcium.

As a result, this supplement is a triple threat as it improves the amount, consistency and quality of your fertile mucus.

13. Get Active

Exercise can increase the quality and quantity of your cervical mucus. Blood flow will increase around your whole body making the cells which produce your mucus work better.

They will get more oxygen and nutrients, making it a great environment for sperm to swim in.

Avoid Hostile Cervical Mucus

14. Avoid Antihistamines

Regular use of allergy medication or decongestant can dry up your cervical mucus. The active ingredients are designed for this. Main culprits for this are brands such as Benadryl or Sudafed.

If you need to take these for health reasons you may find our next suggestion useful.

15. Use a Substitute

Consider Pre-Seed if you continue produce little cervical mucus. Most personal lubricants are not sperm friendly.

Pre-seed mimics cervical mucus and acts as a fertility aid. If you take fertility drugs or medication which causes a lack of egg white mucus, then it’s a great alternative. You can check out our reviews of the best fertility lubricants here.

16. Limit Dairy

If you eat a lot of dairy, it may be affecting your cervical mucus. Dairy foods will thicken your cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to swim through. It’s acidic to eat and may the lower pH of your cervical mucus.

If you are worried about your calcium intake, then eat more whole grains and leafy vegetables. A calcium supplement can also help make your mucus the perfect pH for sperm.

17. Stop Smoking

You probably already know it’s best to stop smoking when trying for a baby. Smoking dehydrates the body and can reduce the amount of mucus you make.

A study has shown that nicotine levels can be found in the cervical mucus of women. Not only is this a bad start for baby but increases your chance of getting cervical cancer.

18. Watch out for Chemicals

Chemicals are all around your everyday life. These can affect your body and play havoc with your hormones. A hormone imbalance can lead to a lack of cervical mucus or even affect your ovulation.

Heavily scented products such as cosmetics, perfumes deodorants, candles or air fresheners are the worst offenders. Try switching to natural products where you can.

19. Cut Out Caffeine

If you like to drink a lot of tea, coffee, soda or energy drinks it time to cut back. Caffeine is very dehydrating to the body and can undo any effects of drinking more water. This can result in a poor quality cervical mucus with a low pH, very bad for sperm.

If you are struggling with no cervical mucus, we recommend giving it up even for one cycle to see if it makes a difference.

The post 19 Tricks to Improve Your Egg White Cervical Mucus appeared first on Stork Mama.

If you’re trying to conceive an ovulation kit can help you pinpoint your fertile window. Knowing exactly when you ovulate in your cycle will greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant quickly.

An ovulation predictor kit or OPK can indicate precisely or give an estimation of a few days.

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There are a few different types of OPKs on the market. Knowing the benefits of each type can help you to choose the one that is right for you.

We’ve developed this OPK guide so you know what to look for. We’ve also reviewed the most popular predictor kits on the market.

Keep reading to see what we found.

8 Best Ovulation Predictor Kit

Ovulation Test Strips

Similar to a pregnancy test that detect ovulation hormones in your urine. You’ll need a fresh urine sample to dip the stick in to. Some test strips give manual readings and other are digital. If using the cheap, manual test we recommend buying in bulk. That way you can test numerous times a day without it breaking the bank.

Best for:

• Accuracy of around 97%
• Using for only a few days of your cycle
• Ease of use, simply dip into a urine same and await the results
• Widely Available from pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets and online

Cons:

• Manuals can be difficult to interpret
• Cost can add up after a few cycles
• Inaccurate results in women over 40
• Don’t work if using injectable fertility drugs

Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips

Pros: very low cost per test, easy to use, individually wrapped
Cons: thin, flimsy

For a very affordable option we highly recommend the Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips. At around 25 cents per strip, you can test plenty without it breaking the bank. These are very easy to use, simply dip in a urine sample and read after 5 minutes. They are hygienic to use as individually foil wrapped, but you will need to provide your own sample cup.

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

Pros: Easy to read, easy to use, individually wrapped, sturdy test holder
Cons: expensive

The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test is the best option if you struggle to interpret urine test results. At just under $2 per test they are the more expensive option. They work by placing individual tests into the test holder. The results take around 3 minutes and will show a smiley face if you are ovulating. This indicates you have a fertile window for 48 hours, so get baby dancing. Technically the test holder is ‘disposable’ after the 20 sticks are done. However a top tip to save money is to use the refill strips for the clear blue fertility monitor which will also work with this.

Read: When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Fertility Monitor

A fertility monitor is like a mini computer to alert you when you are fertile. These work by using urine test strips or measuring basal temperatures. The results are digital and will give a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ if you are ovulating. These machine are very easy to use on only require you to test once a day. A study found that women who use fertility monitors are 33% more likely to fall pregnant than any other OPK method.

Best for:

• Clear results without the guesswork
• Women who ovulate irregularly
• Couples who have been TTC for a long time
• Using before opting for expensive fertility treatment

Cons:

• May not be compatible with some medical conditions
• Expensive outlay
• Requires upkeep (batteries, test strips)
• Can take a few months to calculate your ‘average’ cycle

Lady-Comp Fertility Monitor

Pros: Accurate, natural, no need for refills, quick use,
Cons: Very expensive, not for shift workers

The Lady-Comp Fertility Monitor is the most accurate ovulation predictor on the market. There is no need to buy any refills as it work by taking your oral or vaginal temperature. Insert the thermometer for 30 seconds and it will instantly tell you if you’re fertile or not. The thermometer will usually give a 6 day fertility window to maximise you chances of pregnancy. It’s a great alternative to manual thermometer charting which can be tricky to interpret. At just over $400 it’s a big investment to make, but it will last a life time.

Clearblue Fertility Monitor

Pros: Very easy to use, easy to read results, accurate, sturdy, convenient
Cons: expensive, requires urine stick refills

The Clearblue Fertility monitor is the best option for ease of use. You are only required to test for a short part of your cycle, so no need for daily testing. It’s great solution for shift workers who can’t always take temperatures at the same time each day. It works the same as a urine OPK but the computer analyses the results for you in 5 minutes. You will need to buy urine test strips every few months depending on how often it requests a test.

Basal Thermometer

Basal body temperature thermometers are specifically designed to track ovulation. These thermometer are design for internal use (oral or vaginal) with precision results. Result need taking the same time daily and before getting out of bed. You will need to track the results online, with an app or good old fashioned pen and paper. The pattern of the graph will show you when you have ovulated.

Best for:

• Low cost
• Very easy to use
• Very accurate with correct technique
• Women with irregular cycles

Cons:

• Needs battery upkeep
• Inconvenient as requires daily routine
• Not great for shift workers
• Can require a few months for cycle pattern to emerge
• Illness can alter results

Starlight and Sunny Basal Thermometer

Pros: inexpensive, lightweight, easy to read, soft beep, recall, auto shut off
Cons: inflexible tip, temperamental when battery is low

The Starlight and Sunny Basal Thermometer is a highly recommended thermometer for ovulation tracking. A reading takes around 1 minute and the results are given to a very precise 2 decimal points. The readings are in Fahrenheit (89.6 – 107.6) which is best for fertility tracking. The low light and soft beep are ideal for easy reading without disturbing your partners sleep. If you are forgetful or sleepy it has a recall button for your last reading. The kit comes with a paper chart if you like to manually chart your temps.

Iproven BBT 113

Pros: compact, easy to use, inexpensive, quiet beep, very accurate
Cons: no back light

The Iproven BBT 113 is the most accurate basal thermometer available. It take around a minute to get a reading for the most accurate results. The temperature is displayed at a very precise 2 decimal points. The thermometer will auto shut off after 5 minutes and can recall the last reading if you fall asleep. The beep is quite low, ideal for using first thing in the morning. The only downside was there was no back light which made it harder to read if the room was still dark.

Saliva Ferning

A small handheld microscope is uses to detect changes in your saliva. When you are fertile you will see a pattern which look similar to a curved fern leaf. The microscope needs to be at least 60-100 times magnification to detect any changes. Accuracy will depend on how experienced you are at analysing the patterns.

Best for:

• Convenient to use day or night, as many times as you want
• Very easy to use
• Affordable, lifetime use and doesn’t require upkeep
• Very discreet and can be used anywhere
• Detects Estrogen surge – giving you a 3-4 day fertility window

Cons:

• Results can be difficult to interpret
• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before use
• May need to use other OPK to confirm results
• Not suitable for poor eyesight

KNOWHEN Saliva Fertility Monitor

Pros: Easy to use, includes free tracking app, convenient, one time purchase
Cons: difficult to interpret for beginners

The KNOWHEN Saliva Fertility Monitor is a high quality saliva microscope. It easy to use all you need is a small saliva sample. You wait 15 minutes for it to dry and then analyze the pattern. The kit comes with a handy booklet which shows you what to look for. It’s a bit of a learning curve at first but easy once you know what to look for. The results are around 98% accurate and a great methods to use alongside temp charting, mucous checking or urine test strips. We love how in touch this method makes you feel with your body.

Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope

Pros: Easy to use, light, small, discreet, lightweight, inexpensive
Cons: unable to replace battery or light bulb, lens is awkward to remove for cleaning

The Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope is the bestselling option on Amazon. It’s really easy to use with a small saliva sample. Upon analysing you should see distinctive pattern which will indicate if you are fertile or not. This kit does not tell when you are ovulating, just the window of opportunity. There is a lot of trial and error to use, but it works well once you know how. The downside was that if the battery or light goes you can’t replace and need to buy a new unit.

Ovulation Predictor Kit Basics

Buying Guide

When buying an ovulation predictor kit there is a lot of choice. These are Stork Mama’s buying tips to help you narrow down the selection to find the best OPK for you.

Detection – OPKs use various ways to give you a fertility window. Some will give you a 6 day window and others a 12-14 hour window. Tracking over your cycle will show when you have already ovulated.

Frequency – Consider how often you will need to test. Some methods such as temp charting require you to test daily. Others are such as saliva ferning or urine strips can be used a frequently as you want.

Convenience – Consider your lifestyle and I the method will work for you. If you’re a shift worker or like your sleep then charting isn’t a great option for you. You may also want to consider options which are portable or discreet to use.

Method – Fertility monitors will require you to test your urine, body temperature or saliva. Choose the method you are most comfortable with. All methods are accurate if analysed correctly. However not all methods are suitable for everyone e.g. those using fertility drugs, over 40’s.

Ease of Reading – Some methods will require you to manually analyse the result. This can cause a bit of ambiguity and leave you unsure. Digital methods will give you a clear yes or no answer and make it clear when you are most fertile.

Price – There is a huge variation in cost with OPKs from a dollar to hundreds of dollars. The cheapest methods are temperature charting or saliva ferning. Fertility monitors are a big investment and not suitable for those on a budget. If the method is single use only you will need to stock up on the kit for each cycle.

Low tech OPKs will not work for everyone, you may need to seek professional treatment. It can be a bit of trial and error to find a predictor kits which will work best for you.

Benefits of OPKs

Improve chances of conception

Using OPKs will give you a window of opportunity in order to conceive. Women who track there cycle with OPKs are 33% more likely to get pregnant than those who don’t.

Natural

Using signals your body natural gives off during fertile time is a great way to get in touch with your body. These is no need for medication, just an understanding of signs of ovulation.

Avoid Fertility Treatment

OPKs were developed to aid fertility treatment, but they are so easy to use they can help anyone TTC. Tracking your cycle you can give you information you would have never known otherwise, such as early or late ovulation.

Contraception

Even once you’ve had a baby you can use OPKs as a contraception method. It won’t protect you against STD’s but if used correctly it can be a non-medicated contraceptive option.

Disadvantages of OPKs

Prediction

Don’t tell you exactly when you will ovulate, just an estimated window of opportunity. Some methods will indicate when you have already ovulated but it may be too late by then.

False Positives

Some unexpected changes such as stress, illness, fertility drugs or medical conditions can affect the results. This can give you inaccurate readings for a whole cycle and throw your tracking off course.

Frequent Use

Too much information can sometime be dangerous. Frequent testing can cause you to overthink or become obsessed about the results. This may cause you stress or anxiety and make it harder for you to get pregnant.

OPK Methods

Ovulation predictor work by detecting hormones in the body. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s explore each type and find the style best suited to you.

Estrogen Detection

Estrogen is released at the start of your cycle and rises until you ovulate. High levels of estrogen indicate that you will be most fertile over a 4-6 day period. This gives you a few opportunities to have sperm available as soon as the egg is released. Unfortunately there can be a few estrogen surges if you have long or irregular cycles. Methods which detect estrogen are saliva ferning, fertility monitors and temperature charting.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) Detection

Rising estrogen levels trigger the brain to release this hormone. Once this hormone is detected by an OPK you usually have a window of 12-36 hours before ovulation occurs. LH detection has a great accuracy at detecting your peak fertile day. However it often requires impromptu sex in order to avoid missing the narrow fertility window. LH surges can still happen whether an egg is released or not. Methods which detect LH levels are urine strips and fertility monitors.

The post 8 Best Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK) Reviews appeared first on Stork Mama.

PIN FOR LATER

Stork Mama have developed this complete guide to improve your chances of conceiving quickly and having a healthy pregnancy. We’ve identified the areas of your life which will have the greatest effect on your pregnancy. It’s a lot of reading so you may want to bookmark it for reference. Let’s get you pregnancy ready.

How to Prepare for Pregnancy

1. Know Your History

A caregiver can work out your ‘risk factors’ for pregnancy based on your medical history. Having a good insight will help plan your care and prepare you for possible pregnancy complications. The areas of interest are:

Pregnancy History

You will be asked if you’ve been pregnant before and the result of these pregnancies. This will often include sensitive information such as miscarriage or terminations. If you have already had a baby you will be asked:

• how many births?
• did you carry to term (37 weeks)?
• any multiple births?
• any complications in pregnancy, birth or postnatal?

Your gynecological history is also important. Previous surgery, investigations or smear test results can all affect your pregnancy care.

Family History

Both you and your partner’s family history will be of interest. Some conditions are hereditary and can complicate your pregnancy. You may want to discuss any family health history with your parents. If you are using donor eggs or sperm try to get as much genetic history as you can. This information will be used to calculate the risk to your

Pregnancy – Conditions such as pre-eclampsia or DVT can be hereditary. Your doctor may want to start you on certain medications to prevent these complication affecting your pregnancy.

Baby – Family history can give an indication of how likely your baby is to inherit a condition. You can also take steps to prevent disorders such as spina bifida by taking increased dose of folic acid.

Genetics

Your doctor will want to know your family ancestry on both sides. Some hereditary medical conditions affect certain populations more than others. The most commonly

• Cystic Fibrosis – Mainly affects those with Northern European heritage
• Sickle Cell Anaemia – Main affects those of African, Latin American and Indian Heritage
• Thalassemia – Mainly affects those of Mediterranean ancestry
• Tay–Sachs disease – common among the Ashkenazi Jewish Population

If your baby is at higher risk of these conditions its good to read up on them before you get pregnant. This will give you a better understanding of how likely your baby is to be affected. You can also read more about the available screening and diagnostic tests and treatments for the condition.

2. Review Your Current Health

Reviewing your current health can help you to improve your chances of getting pregnant and having an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you are of good health then skip to the next step. A preconception visit with a doctor is advised for:

Existing Conditions

Certain medical conditions will affect your likelihood of getting pregnant, especially if poorly controlled. They will also change your plan of care when you do get pregnant.Bodily changes during pregnancy can worsen or lessen your condition. You may be ‘higher risk’ with the need for more monitoring, screening, diagnostics or ultrasound scans. You should see a doctor for pre-pregnancy advice if you have any of the following:

• Asthma
• Bariatric BMI (Obesity)
• Blood Clotting disorder
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Defect or Disease
• Increased maternal age (35+)
• Thyroid disorder

Medication

Reviewing any prescribed, over the counter or herbal medicine is vital in pregnancy. Anything which enters your body will pass over to your baby. Your medications should be reviewed by a professional for:

Pregnancy – The changes in your body can affect how medication work on your body. You may need to change or stop medication as soon as you are pregnant. You may also need to alter the dose are taking.
Baby – Some medications are known to be harmful to babies especially in the 1st trimester. It’s important to discuss any medication with a pharmacist to ensure it’s ok to take in pregnancy.

Never suddenly stop taking any prescription drugs without prior medical advice. This may be dangerous to your health.

Mental Health

Mental health issues (past and current) and medication need to be discussed with a doctor. This is of utmost importance for:

Medication – Most psychiatry medication needs to be stopped in pregnancy. However stopping suddenly can cause severe problems. Your doctor should work out a weaning program for you.

Support – Pregnancy can sometime increase mental health issues. IT can also put you at higher risk postnatally for postpartum depression or psychosis. A plan should be put in place to offer mental health support during your pregnancy and after.

3.  Sort Your Diet

Making changes to your diet before you get pregnant will give your baby a healthy start to life. Eating healthy can keep you at an optimal weight. But this advice isn’t just for moms to be, your partner should also improve their diet for improved sperm quality. When you are trying to conceive focus on:

Healthy Weight

Aim for a weight which puts you into a BMI of 18-25. Being under or overweight can put you at greater risk of pregnancy complications. Starting early will give you good habits for pregnancy so you don’t gain too much weight over those 9 months. If you suffer from PCOS you chances of conceiving will improve when you are at a healthy weight.

Balanced Diet

Getting foods from a different range of food groups will ensure you get a range of nutrient and minerals. This will help you and baby to grow and develop. It can also help prevent morning sickness in the early weeks. Vary up your diet eating plenty of:

• Fruit & vegetable
• Healthy Carbohydrates (potato, rice, pasta)
• Protein (including oily fish)
• Fiber rich foods
• Dairy products

Try to cut out refined and processed foods from your diet. This includes fast foods, chips and candy. Also reduce your intake of fish with high mercury content. Liver products should also be avoided due to their vitamin A content.

Start making healthy homemade meals so you control your salt intake. These skills will come in hand for when baby starts on solid food.

Fluid Intake

We recommend increasing your fluid levels by drinking plenty of plain, fresh water. Water will help you keep your womb, eggs and sperm healthy. You will also increase your cervical mucus which helps sperm on their journey. It’s a great habit to have for pregnancy, to prevent water retention and constipation in the early and last weeks.

If you regularly drink tea, coffee, soda or energy drinks it’s a good idea to cut back. Some studies have shown that caffeine can affect your fertility, although further studies are needed. It is known that excessive caffeine can cause low birth weight, an indirect cause of miscarriage.

Exercise

Keeping fit will help you to maintain you weight and keep your body fit. Starting exercise before pregnancy will help you to get into the habit before you start experiencing those early symptoms. You don’t need to be a hard core gym bunny, make it fun. Try dancing, swimming, walking or yoga. Get your partner involved and make it quality couple time before baby comes along.

4. Take a Prenatal

A balanced diet is the most important way to get your essential nutrients. However a prenatal vitamin can give you a boost to ensure your get the correct amounts. It should be used as a diet aid and not a substitute for a poor diet. It’s recommended to start taking prenatal 3 months before your start trying to conceive.

It’s important to choose a specific prenatal vitamin so that the ingredients and dosages are tailored to those need in pregnancy. If you have a specialist diet, don’t eat certain food groups or have allergies/intolerance you need to ensure you get those nutrients. If you don’t eat meat you will benefit from additional vitamin B12 and vitamin D in your diet.

CLICK HERE for the Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy

Folic Acid

Folic acid helps your baby to develop and prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. You should take folic acid when trying to conceive right up to 12 weeks pregnant. A minim does of 400mcg is recommended. A higher dose of 5mg is required if you are

• Diabetic
• Epileptic
• Obese
• Have history of neural tube defect

Iron

This mineral is important for healthy blood in pregnancy. Low iron levels cause anemia which result in feel tired, breathless, palpitations and dizziness. Anemia can also cause complications during labor and postnatal, especially if you have a large blood loss.

Caffeine can restrict iron absorption so reduce your intake if you are known to be anemic. Vitamin C improve iron absorption and can be found in oranges (including juice), strawberries and bell peppers.

Vitamin A

You need some vitamin A, but too much can cause harm to your unborn baby. Regular vitamins have high levels of Vitamin A, which is why you should always use a pregnancy specific multivitamin.

5. Immunity and Infections

Having up to date immunization will give you the best chance at a healthy pregnancy. We recommend that at least 3 months before pregnancy you

• Check your rubella immunity
• Check your chicken pox immunity
• Have a smear test
• Have a full sexual health check

If there are any unusual results from these tests they can be treated before pregnancy. Conditions such as rubella, chickenpox or STI’s can affect you pregnancy and may even pass to baby. A smear test can pick up cervical abnormalities or internal infections such as Group B strep. This would then prompt further testing during pregnancy.

To minimize the risk of any infection during pregnancy we recommend good hygiene. Hand hygiene when handling food will minimize the risk of food poisoning. You should also wear gloves when gardening, changing a cat litter tray or pet handling. These activities put you at greater risk of toxoplasmosis infection which can be harmful to unborn babies.

6. Know your cycle

The single best game plan to getting pregnant quickly is to chart your cycle. If you start at least 3 months in advance you will pinpoint your most fertile days of the month. Learning about charting your cycle is quite easy and it can help you to become more in tune with your body. There are many apps and website to record your charts. We particularly recommend Fertility Friend as it’s free and has lots of charting tutorials. You can chart you cycle by

• Temperatures – Using a basal thermometer you need to measure your internal temperature at the same time every day. This needs to be done without leaving bed and by inserting the thermometer into the vagina. Your daily temperature will raise at some point during the month. This show the day you have ovulated.
• Urine Tests – Using tests similar to a pregnancy test will give a line when it detects your ovulation hormones. Some women prefer to use an ovulation monitor as a device to make the results easy to read. Check out our review of the Clearblue fertility monitor.
• Cervical Mucus – Your vaginal discharge will change over the month. Your body is telling you when it’s a good time to have sex. Look for an ‘egg white’ type discharge at your most fertile times. Click here for more information on how to assess your cervical mucus.

A combination of all these methods should give you a similar pattern each month. You should then start to have sex over your most fertile days.

Charting can help you identify any issues you may have with trying for a baby, such as irregular cycles or no ovulation. This information can give you a head start in any consultations with a fertility doctor.

7. Ditch the vices

Certain habits can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. Ditching bad habits before you become pregnant will make your body healthier for your baby. This advice is for both parents and not mom only. The main culprits are:

Alcohol

It is recommended that you do not drink any alcohol 3 months prior to getting pregnant. Well we know that a lot of people get pregnant because of alcohol, so you baby may be at risk from fertilization. Frequent drinking or binge drinking in pregnancy can lead to a disability known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This condition results in physical and mental delays in affected children and increases the risk of miscarriage. It is unknown what the safe limit is to avoid your baby developing this disorder. The best and safest choice is to avoid drinking alcohol.

Smoking

Most people are aware that smoking is very harmful to your health. Stopping smoking will increase your chances of conceiving naturally. Your body will be in a healthier condition for pregnancy. If you continue to smoke during pregnancy you increase the risk of complications. Smoking dramatically increase your babies risk of:

• low birth weight
• premature labor
• breathing difficulties
• asthma
• miscarriage
• still birth
• cot death
• infections

Second hand smoke is just as bad for you and will still put you at risk. If you do not smoke but your partner does, encourage then to give it up for baby. You can receive help to stop smoking from your doctor, or speak to a pharmacist about smoking aids to help you quit.

Drugs

Recreational or street drug use is never safe for you. You should give up any illegal drug use at least immediately if you plan to get pregnant. These drugs affect both the sperm and eggs causing deformities and making it harder to get pregnant. If you continue to use drugs and you fall pregnant they can all affect your baby directly or indirectly. Drug use can lead to numerous complications and drastically increase our risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm delivery. If you feel you are addicted to drugs, you should seek advice to quit before even thinking about trying for a baby.

8. See a Dentist

Healthy teeth and gum are very important to your overall health. Regular visits to your dentist can ward off infection and identify problems quickly. It’s important to get any dental work done before you get pregnant as many dental procedure cannot be done during pregnancy. Your dentist may want to take up to date x-rays as you won’t be able to have these during your pregnancy due to radiation risks.

Pregnancy hormones can weaken your gums and cause various dental health issues. Ongoing morning sickness can also cause erosion of your tooth enamel. Many women need to get dental work done after birth due to the effect of pregnancy on your teeth and gums. Some treatments such as orthodontics may even be set back until 9 months after birth to ensure the hormones have settled. Having all you dental work up to date will help minimize the risk of this happening to you.

Research

Recent research has shown that women who suffer gum disease take longer to get pregnant. The study found that they took on average two months longer to conceive than women with healthy gums. The findings recommend regular flossing and dental check ups. Further research has also shown that there may be link between poor dental health and increased risk of miscarriage and  premature birth.

9. Get Insured

You should take the time to review your health insurance before you get pregnant. It’s important to know exactly what level of maternity cover you have or if you need to upgrade. A straight forward pregnancy with a vaginal birth costs on average $30,000. That quickly rises with a high risk pregnancy or delivery. You will be billed individually for everything from blood tests, to ultrasounds to epidurals. You will also need to factor in adding health care for your baby.

By law you need some level of health insurance either through work or personal purchase. Full coverage means you pay a large sum to the insurer ever month. Co-Payment means you pay less to the insurer but from your own pocket when needed. If you do not currently have insurance there is financial aid available. If you income is below a certain level you can apply for Federal tax credits. You may also be eligible for Medicaid cover, check your eligibility here.

The Affordable Care Act 2014 ensured that all health care plans for women include maternity care. The level of coverage will vary. Always read the details, as there may be limitations to the services covered in the plan. Services which may not be covered in the plan include:

• prenatal care
• maternity counseling
• midwifery care,
• high-risk pregnancies
• homebirth/ midwife led units
• neonatal care

You should also consider choosing a plan which cover mental health. Poor mental health support during and after pregnancy can lead to long term health complications. Having access to services which can provide you with advice could be a significant part of your care.

For more information about buying health insurance from the Marketplace click here.

10. Stop Birth Control

The type of birth control you are using can affect the time it takes you to get pregnant. Let’s take an in depth look at each method

Barrier Methods

This includes diaphragms, cervical caps, male condoms, and female condoms and spermicides. These are only used when you have sex, and will cover you for one use only. As soon as you stop using a barrier method you are fertile.

Hormonal Methods

These methods use artificial hormones to prevent pregnancy. This includes the pill, implant, injections, patch, intrauterine system (IUS), progestogen-only pill and vaginal ring. Your fertility will take time to resume after stopping them. This is because your body need to rid them from your system. Typically your body can take anytime from 1-12 months to return to its pre-birth control state. You may have erratic cycles for a while before a regular pattern returns. Hormone contraception can thin the walls of the womb. We recommend you wait until you have one full cycle before TTC to give any pregnancy a healthy start.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Also known as a copper coil. This method does not contain any hormones and will allow you to resume fertility as soon as it is removed.

Permanent Methods

Reversal of tubal ligation or a vasectomy is not easy. Success rate for females is usually 20-70% and even lower for males. You may need to conceive through IVF if reversal is unsuccessful.

Getting pregnant can happen at any time regardless of how long you have been using birth control. Don’t assume it will happen quickly or take forever. Our best advice is to start tracking your cycles as soon as you quit birth control, or before if using a non-hormonal. Having sex over your most fertile days will give you an increased chance of pregnancy.

Infertility

You should seek advice from a fertility doctor after you have been off birth control and actively trying to conceive for 12 months. If you are over 35, low sperm count or recurrent miscarriages then this time reduces to 6 months.

Stork Mama wish you all the best in you pregnancy journey. Remember to bookmark us for more useful advice when you are pregnant.

The post How to Prepare For Pregnancy – The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Stork Mama.

A healthy and balanced diet is important when trying to conceive or during pregnancy. You will get most of your vitamins from the food you eat.

Your body will benefit from extra nutrients during pregnancy. A prenatal vitamin will ensure your body gets enough of these key nutrients.

PIN FOR LATER

When it comes to buying a prenatal vitamin there is so much choice out there. It’s difficult to know where to start and Stork Mama is here to help you out.

We’ve created this guide to explain the features that are best to suited to your needs.

But first, we’ve hunted high and low for the best prenatal vitamins out there, so you don’t have to.

First let’s see what’s available.

Prenatal Vitamin Comparison

Top 5 Best Prenatal Vitamins

Rainbow Light Prenatal

Pros: one per day, gentle on the stomach, includes essential vitamins, affordable
Cons: slight smell, quite large

Our Verdict

The Rainbow Light Prenatal are the bestselling prenatal vitamins on Amazon. These vitamins are highly recommend by OB GYNs as they contain all the vitamins you need for pregnancy and more. The tablet itself is quite large and we wouldn’t recommend if you struggle with tablets. It has a smooth coating making it easier to swallow. There is a slight smell to them in the pot, but this doesn’t give an aftertaste. We recommend you take them with food to prevent causing any stomach upset as they do contain iron. You only need one a day, so a 150 count pack will last you around 5 months.

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal

Pros: easy to swallow, take on empty stomach, organic, gluten free, suitable for vegetarians
Cons: need to take 3 times a day, contains soy

Our Verdict

The New Chapter Perfect Prenatal is the best option if you struggle to swallow pills. These tablets are small in size, although you need to take them three times a day to get the full dosage. This is easier than swallowing one large tablet. The ingredient are every easy on the stomach and won’t cause upset, even without food. They contain all the pregnancy essentials and more, just remember to take the full dose. Theses tablets are suitable for those with sensitivities as they are organic, gluten free, no artificial colours or flavours. A 192 count will last for around 2 months use when taken 3 times a day.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal

Pros: all natural, GMO free,
Cons: expensive, large capsule, aftertaste

Our Verdict

The Garden of Life RAW Prenatal is the highest quality and most natural option. You need to take them 3 times a day for optimal effects. The ingredients are easily absorbed, and you will notice a difference to the way to feel and your energy levels. The capsule size is quite large, however it is soft and powder filled so softer to swallow. You can open the capsule and add the content to a smoothie, however it leaves an aftertaste. A 180 count packet will last two months of instructed use. They are on the expensive side, however they are very high quality ingredients.

Intranaturals One-a-Day Prenatal

Pros: one per day, easy on the tummy, non GMO, soy free, USA made
Cons: large tablets, strong smell

Our Verdict

For a highly rated and balanced prenatal check out the Intranaturals One-a-Day. This supplement contains organic sources of the essential nutrients including iron and folate. The tablets are quite large (similar to Rainbow Light) but the texture is smooth and you only need to take one a day. The tablets aren’t coated so they absorb quickly and don’t irritate the stomach. We really dislike the smell of these tablets as it was rather off-putting, which isn’t the best when your already queasy. Fortunately it doesn’t leave an aftertaste. A 60 tablet count will last for 2 month of use.

Nature Made Prenatal

Pros: affordable, soft capsule, contains DHA
Cons: large capsule, fishy smell

Our Verdict

The Nature Made Prenatal is the best affordable, all in one option. This supplement contains 200mg of DHA as well as all the vital pregnancy vitamins. If taking numerous tablet is a problem for you then this allows you to get it all in one go. The tablets are quite large, however they are a soft gel which makes them softer to swallow. Unfortunately the DHA gives them a strong fishy smell which can be nauseating in early pregnancy. They have quite a high dose of iron so they may irritate your tummy, taking with food should reduce this. A 150 gel count will last you 5 months taking one a day.

Prenatal Vitamin Basics

Vital Vitamins

During pregnancy there are a few key vitamin which need to increase in your diet. This will ensure you and baby have enough for health growth through the pregnancy.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important vitamin to take in early pregnancy to avoid baby developing spina bifida. Ideally you should take this vitamin before pregnancy or as soon as you find out. A daily dose of 400 mcg should be taken up until 12 weeks pregnant. Supplements are essential as it’s difficult to get the recommended dose from your diet alone. If you have a high risk pregnancy or raised BMI you should take a 5 mg (5000 mcg) dose. You are best to discuss your recommended dose with your doctor.

Iron

Not all pregnant women need Iron supplements but it helps to prevent anaemia. You want to avoid anaemia in pregnancy as it can make you breathless, have palpitations and extremely fatigued. Being anaemic can also cause postnatal complications if you lose a lot of blood at delivery. The recommend dose is 30 to 50 mg a day.

The downside to taking iron supplements is that it can cause stomach upset or constipation. You may do better on a liquid iron than a tablet form.

Caffeine drinks such as tea, coffee or cola can block the absorption of iron. It’s best to cut these from your diet especially if you are known to be anaemic. Vitamin C rich foods such as strawberries or fresh orange juice will increase your iron absorption.

Vitamin D

This vitamin is essential for your babies bone growth. Lack of vitamin D can cause a bone deformity called rickets. Vitamin D is found in food but you may struggle to get it from this source alone. We also make it when exposed to sunlight which is good news if you live in a warm and sunny state.

Those at higher risk of Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Area with low levels of sunshine
• Pregnant over winter/spring months (November-April)
• Dark Skin Tones (African, Caribbean, Hispanic or South Asian heritage)

We recommend you take a 1,000 to 2,000 IU vitamin D supplement daily if you fall into any of the above categories.

Calcium

Calcium is another vitamin essential for bone growth. Most intake will come from diary food such as milk, cheese or yogurt. If your calcium levels are low a supplement of 1,000 mg per day is recommended.

You will benefit from a calcium supplement if you are

• dairy intoletant
• vegan
• on a paleo diet

Omega 3 DHA

Omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diet will improve brain development and vison. A daily dose of 350-450 mg is recommended. It’s most found in oily fish, however excessive amount of oily fish can increase a toxic mercury intake. A supplement can boost your levels and remove the mercury risk.

Types of Supplement

Tablets – These are the most common type, inexpensive and easily available. You may struggle with tablet if you find them difficult to swallow, or dislike the aftertaste. Check if they are vegan friendly as some brands may use binders made from animal by products.

Gel Capsules – Similar in shape to tablets, however the gel inside makes them softer to swallow. Gel capsule can sometime be more expensive to buy. These are usually not vegan friendly as the capsule is commonly glycerine.

Gummies – If you struggle to swallow medication these can help. Like a child’s vitamin tablet or a chewy candy which is easily swallowed. The jelly texture of this type makes them unsuitable for vegans.

Liquid – This form of vitamin is often recommend for those who struggle to absorb ingredients. It also makes the absorption a lot easier on the tummy, especially if iron is included. Liquid iron is not as widely available and can expensive to buy.

Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins

Prevent defects

Tasking a prenatal vitamin can help your baby develop through vital growth periods. Conditions such as spina bifida, rickets and low birth weight can all be prevented if you get an adequate intake of essential vitamins.

Special diet

If you are vegan or vegetarian you may be cutting out large food groups from your diet. Usually vitamin b12 and iron are lacking from these diets. Other specialist diets may be required for religious reasons or due to food intolerances. Supplements can help boost your levels but its best to discuss a pregnancy diet with a nutritionist.

Morning sickness

If you suffer ongoing vomiting in the early stages, you may not feel like eating much. Sickness can often lead to a lack of nutrients, so a prenatal vitamin can add to what you are taking in.

Prevent anaemia

A boost of iron and vitamin C will help to prevent you from becoming anaemic in pregnancy. Health red blood levels are important during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Avoid vitamin A

It’s important you use a specified prenatal vitamin to avoid vitamin A (retinol). Regular multivitamins will contain vitamin A which is known to be harmful to your baby in excess.

Coping with pregnancy

Additional nutrients such as zinc, magnesium and vitamin b12 can improve your brain function and mental health. Pregnancy ailments such as aches, swelling and fatigue can be reduced with a prenatal vitamin and healthy diet.

Disadvantages of Prenatal Vitamins

Sensitivities

Some vitamins such as iron can cause upset in the digestive system. It’s common to get an upset tummy, diarrhoea or constipation. You may want to reduce the amount or try to get your vitamins from food sources.

Cost

Usually you are recommended to take vitamins before, during and after pregnancy. Depending on the dosage required, the cost can quickly add up. If you are on a tight budget you may prefer to invest the money into fresh fruits and vegetables.

Diet Aid

Vitamins supplements are used to enhance the levels you naturally absorb from your diet. A prenatal vitamin will not make up for a poor diet. Most vitamins and minerals will absorb in higher levels from food sources rather than from a vitamin.

Buying Guide

This is the criteria we used to assess all the prenatal vitamins researched for review. You can use this before buying pack to choose one which best suits your needs.

Type

We’ve discussed each type of supplement above. They type you choose will depend on how easy it is to swallow, availability, cost and even vegan friendly.

Size

Some prenatal supplements are very large to swallow. You may need to take them two to three times a day. Consider if this is too excessive for you. Larger tablets may also come in smaller volumes or require more storage space.

Taste

Some vitamins will have a strong taste after swallowing. This may make you gag or be off putting. Strong smells and tastes in pregnancy may even cause you to feel nauseous or be sick. Worst offenders are often iron or omega 3 fish oils.

Ingredients

The supplement should contain all the essential nutrient you require. You want to avoid vitamin A or any other mineral which are known to cause you upset. If your vitamin is lacking you may need to take additional specific supplements.

Cost

You will find highly rated prenatal vitamins available for all budgets. The price will depend on the ingredients, quantity and quality. Consider how long a pack will last for the cost. Expect to pay around $10-$40 for a 2-8 month supply.

The post Top 5 Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy appeared first on Stork Mama.

Getting a negative pregnancy test month after month can be downright devastating.

The Clearblue Fertility monitor claims to almost double your chances of getting pregnant.

Here at Stork Mama, we wanted to know if it would live up to its promises.

We’ve researched and thoroughly tested the Clearblue Fertility Monitor to bring you an honest and unbiased review.

Does it work? Let’s find out.

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Clearblue Fertility Monitor Review

The Clearblue fertility monitor is basically a more advanced way of analyzing ovulation sticks. You pee on the stick and let the machine do its thing. It will analyze the levels of two hormones in your urine: luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen. If you listened in biology class you’ll already know these hormones will rise when you ovulate. The higher the levels the more fertile you are. This machine will tell you’re your 6 most fertile days in your cycle.

This machine is recommended if you:

• Are trying to conceive quickly
• Have been TTC for a long time
• Have Irregular cycles
• Work Shifts
• Are struggling with basal temps or manual sticks

>> Click here for Best Price <<

Performance

The fertility monitor was tested over the period of 3 cycles for accuracy. The first two months were used as ‘dry runs’ and the third as a pregnancy attempt. Our test mama was well in tune with her cycle which was 30 days long with ovulation around day 19. The  result was:

• 1st Cycle – Peak Day 20
• 2nd Cycle – Peak day 19
• 3rd Cycle – Peak Day 20

On the first cycle, you need to provide test sticks from day 6. This helps the monitor pinpoint your hormone surge. Unfortunately, it also means using a lot of sticks if you ovulate late in your cycle. After the first cycle, it will adjust to request tests between days 6-9.

On the third cycle, our tester had sex on the 3 days indicated as high and peak ovulation times. That cycle resulted in a positive pregnancy test. In comparison with basal temperature testing the monitor was able to indicate the period of fertility before ovulation. It also gave a better insight into how fertile you were compared to reading an ovulation stick manually.

Ease of Use

At first, the machine appears to be very confusing to use. It does have a bit of a learning curve compared to eyeballing an ovulation stick. We then realized it’s actually fairly simple to operate. There are very few buttons to press other than an on-off switch and a cycle reset.

You press the pink button to set the first-day cycle (bleeding). The machine will then count your cycle days. Between day 6-9 it will ask you to begin testing your urine until your ovulation is detected.

Just like an ovulation stick you dip the cassette in a urine sample and place the tip into the test slot of the machine. After 5 minutes the stick need to be removed and will display your results. These are displayed as low fertility, high fertility or peak fertility days. The best days to conceive are on your high and peak fertility days. If your period arrives, reset and repeat for the next cycle.

Convenience

Your cycle needs to be set on day 1-4 otherwise you need to wait until your next cycle. Starting after this will skew results as the machine keeps a memory of each cycle.

Whenever a new cycle is started it set a 6-hour window for you to perform a urine test. This should ideally be over your normal waking time. Your first urine will have the highest levels of hormones. The 6-hour window gives you a little more flexibility than basal temperature checking. This is important especially if you are a shift worker who does nights. Although it’s probably best to reduce your fluid amounts overnight to prevent urine dilution.

The monitor needs checked every day during this time to see if you need to perform a test that day or not. Luckily if you are forgetful the machine has an alarm option to remind you. The alarm will only go off during the test window on days you need to test.

We love that the monitor can store up to 6 cycles. This is very useful if you decide to see a medical professional about your fertility.

Cost

This machine is quite an investment. The actual machine is just shy of $200. You will need to buy at least 10 test sticks for each cycle. Some women may even require 20 sticks depending on your cycle length. The sticks come in packs of 30 and will cost around $40. This will last around 2-3 cycles of use depending on how many tests are required each month.

For power, the monitor requires two AA batteries. We recommend buying rechargeable batteries to keep down the running costs.

Any Issues?

Although it didn’t happen to our tester it appears there are times when the monitor doesn’t detect a peak surge. There are a few reason this may happen including

• Forgetting to test
• Incorrect use of monitor
• No ovulation that month (rare)
• A surge of LH hormone lower than 40 mIU/ml sensitivity.

This can be frustrating, but the machine should be able to detect your high days. Having sex right over this period will ensure you catch your most fertile time.
This machine also isn’t suitable for everyone to use including:

• Menopause symptoms
• PCOS
• Endocrine disorder
• Impaired Liver or kidney function
• Hormonal treatments (including fertility drugs or hormone contraction)
• Recent pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Some antibiotics

Summary

If you are currently not using any method to detect ovulation you will more than likely get good results with this monitor. It’s also a great option if you are struggling to interpret your cycle using temperature or ovulation sticks. This will tell you exactly the best day to try for a baby. Pinpointing your ovulation day is the best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

This machine isn’t for you if you’re relaxed about how long it takes to conceive, or prefer an inexpensive method. We do highly recommend at least using ovulation sticks or charting your temperatures, or both.

More Reviews

The Clearblue Fertility monitor has over 130 reviews on Amazon. Click here for more reviews and get an idea of what other moms think of this machine.

The post Clearblue Fertility Monitor Review appeared first on Stork Mama.

If you’ve been trying for a baby for even one month, you’ll agree baby making can make your sex life a little, well, routine.

Yes, you have a lot of sex. But I bet you have it planned to the minute and position.

Never mind a post-sex cuddle, you’ve got to get those legs in the air!

Needless to say, the lack of lust leaves you taking longer to ‘get going.’

But wait.

Don’t just reach for any lubricant. A regular lube can be full of sperm killing ingredients, and make it harder for you to get pregnant.

It’s time for you to start using a fertility friendly lubricant. This type of lube is designed to help you get pregnant. Not only does it make you feel better during sex, but it makes it a whole lot easier for the sperm to reach the egg.

So just how do you choose the best fertility lubricant?

Good news, I’ve researched them for you. I’ll help you know what to look for and what to avoid.

First, check out my reviews of the bestselling fertility lubricants.

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Best Fertility Lubricant Reviews

Pre-Seed

The bestselling and most recommended sperm friendly lubricant is Pre-Seed. It’s easily available and even used and recommended by fertility clinics.

The formula is designed to make it the best environment for sperm to swim in. It comes with long tip applicators to apply the lube internally with minimal mess.

At around $20 a tube, it is expensive, however a lot cheaper than IVF.

The best tip for using Pre-Seed is to ignore the instructions and use half; this will make the tube last a lot longer.

This lubricant won’t do anything to get you pregnant. However,  it can help to make TTC sex more comfortable and improve the environment for sperm.

Astroglide TTC

For a budget friendly option check out Astroglide TTC.

It’s a reliable and recommended lubricant brand, and this is their sperm friendly option. This lubricant will mimic the sperm pH and consistency to make it easier for them to adapt to the vaginal environment.

It also comes with applicators to coat the vagina walls and mimic your natural lubrication. The ingredients are sperm safe but read through them first as there may be some additions you are sensitive to.

Related: 19 Tricks to Improve Your Egg White Cervical Mucus

Sasmar Conceive Plus

Sasmar Conceive Plus is designed to give sperm an extra boost when trying for a baby. This lubricant contains extra ions similar to those in cervical mucus to improve sperm mobility.

It can be purchased as individual applicator tubes or a multi use tube. The applicator needs to be applied 15 minutes before intercourse, and you can use the tube as and when required.

I prefer the applicator option as it’s less messy and make internal application easier. However, you do need to remember to apply beforehand which may ruin the mood.

The individual tubes are great for unplanned sex. Both men and women can use this lubricant.

Buying Criteria

How do you decide which fertility lubricant to choose from? Check out my criteria for selecting.

1. Sperm safe ingredients – It’s essential the lubricant creates the best environment for sperm. Look a thin, glycerine free lubricant. They allow sperm to move freely and at the right pH.
2. Performance – the lubricant has to provide adequate lubrication during sex. Good performing lubricants will not irritate the skin or dry out easily.
3. Easy application – A thin lubricant will apply easily and allow the sperm to move easily. Some brands may come with an applicator to make it easier to apply the lubricant internally.
4. Clean up – You want to avoid a lubricant which leaves a greasy or sticky mess. Silicone or oil based lubricant can leave stains on clothing or bedding.
5. Price – the cost of lubricants will vary between brands. Look to pay between $10-$20 for a good fertility friendly lubricant.

What to Avoid

Don’t be swayed by the low price or claims of regular lubricants. The ingredients are important to aiding or hindering your baby making attempt.

1. Spermicidal – This will kill any sperm it comes into contact with. This type of lubricant is only suitable for those who are trying to avoid pregnancy.
2. Silicone or water based – The levels of water and salt are unsuitable for sperm to move freely. They can also change the pH and kill off some sperm.
3. Toxic ingredients – Some lubricants may contain ingredients which are skin irritants or toxic to sperm causing them damage.
4. Thick formula – Not only does this make it hard for sperm to swim through, but it can be difficult to clean up without soap and water.

Features of Sperm Friendly Lubricant

Glycerine Free

Glycerine (or glycerol) is known to be toxic to sperm. These type of lubricants allow sperm to move freely.

pH friendly

Semen has a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.2-8.0. Sperm friendly lubricants will have a similar pH to semen, so they are not harmed or damaged by a different environment.

Internal application

Lubricants with internal applicator allow you to mimic your natural cervical fluid. Increased fluid makes it easier for sperm to reach your cervix.

Isotonic

This means the environment is similar to sperm with an equal amount of water and salt. Lubricants with high levels of salts or ions will dehydrate the sperm and slow them down.

Benefits of  Sperm Safe Lubricant

Here are more advantages to using sperm friendly lubricants.

Comfort

Scheduled sex sessions can sometimes make it a bit hard to get excited during the act. A lubricant can loosen things up and make sex more comfortable.

Orgasm

If you are prone to vaginal dryness, it can be hard to orgasm. Some women report high levels of satisfaction during sex when using a lubricant.

Better environment

Some vaginal environments are hostile to sperm mainly if they are very acidic. A lubricant can alter the environment to make it more welcoming to sperm.

Mimic Nature

Cervical fluid increases at your most fertile times. If you suffer a lack of cervical fluid, a lubricant can mimic it and help sperm to move freely toward the cervix.

Disadvantages of Lubricants

Chemicals

Unfortunately, lubricants are manmade and contain chemicals, no matter how natural they claim to be. These chemicals may contain parabens to prevent bacterial growth in the product.

Sensitivities

Some people may be sensitive or allergic to some ingredients in the lubricant. So a skin test on both you and your partner before using the product on intimate areas.

Sex Aid

A fertility friendly lubricant is designed so it won’t interfere with your fertility. The lubricant won’t increase your chances of conceiving. We recommend tracking your ovulation cycle to improve your chances of pregnancy.

Natural Options

If you are looking for a natural chemical free and sperm friendly lubricant, look no further.

Foreplay

A lubricant is not always necessary unless you have a particular problem with dryness. Ensure there is a lot of foreplay before the deed to increase natural vaginal lubrication.

Your vagina will produce sperm catching cervical mucus on your most fertile days to increase your chance of pregnancy.

Coconut Oil

This wonder oil can be used for pretty much anything from eating to beauty uses. Coconut oil can help to prevent mild vaginal dryness.

You can use it to clear up any lurking yeast infections which create a hostile environment for sperm. Do not use if you or your partner have a nut allergy.

Egg Whites

This suggestion may be a little strange for you. The idea is to mimic the consistency of cervical mucus on your most fertile days. Some women swear it helped them become pregnant.

If you’ve been TTC for a long time, you may be willing to give it a go. Just remember hand hygiene to prevent spreading bacteria from the shell.

-*-*-

I hope you found the right sperm-friendly lubricant for you. If you want to check out other reviews of these lubes on Amazon.

The post Best Fertility Lubricant Reviews To Help You Conceive Quickly appeared first on Stork Mama.

Stop right there.

Put the pee stick down.

I know you’re desperate to find if you’re pregnant. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Did you know that testing too early can give you the wrong result?

I know it’s devastating when you feel pregnant, but the test is negative. It sucks, and I don’t want you to feel that way.

So now you’re wondering ‘how soon after conception can I take a pregnancy test?’ Do you need to wait until you’ve missed your period before testing?

The truth is that everyone is different. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret to knowing the perfect time to take a pregnancy test.

Your period. Yeah, you heard me right.

More specifically you need to know your monthly cycle.

I’m going to show you what’s going on in your cycle and why it’s important to pregnancy testing.

Let’s go.

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When to Test For Pregnancy

Understanding your Cycle

Grab your pen and paper because we’re going to get biological (ok that sounded like some crap chat up line.) Let’s discuss the terms you need to know to understand your cycle better.

Cycle Length

This is the number of days from the first day of bleeding until the next time you bleed. The average cycle length is 28 days. Your cycle length may be longer or shorter than this. Start marking it down on a calendar, so you know your cycle length.

That’s a basic baby making tip right there (well apart from the actual… well you know what I mean).

Ovulation

This is when the egg is released, and you’re most fertile. It usually happens around 14 days after the first day of bleeding. You are only fertile for 12-24 hours after ovulation.

You will soon recognize this as a time you obsess over ovulation sticks and have a lot of sex. Seriously your partner loves this time.

Luteal Phase

Also known as the ‘two-week wait.’ It is the time between ovulation and the start of your next period.

It’s a nerve-wracking time, and you’ll probably consume your body weight in Ben & Jerrys.

If you are pregnant, your body will begin to release pregnancy hormones, and you will miss your period. You may even start to experience pregnancy symptoms.

It takes around 5 days for a fertilized egg to attach to implant in your womb. Only then does the egg start to realize the hormones a pregnancy test detects. But you go to give it enough time to release a high enough level.

That means you shouldn’t expect to get a positive pregnancy test until you are least 10 days past ovulation (10 DPO). The hormones levels are simply not high enough to be detected on a pregnancy test.

Ovulation Cycle

Let’s look at this graphic to understand it better.

If you ovulate on day 14, count days forward and you can test on day 24, around 5 days before you miss your period.

However, if you didn’t ovulate until day 20, count 10 days forward, you’ll notice you’ve missed your period before you get a positive pregnancy test.

That means if you have a short luteal phase (less that 10 days), you won’t usually get a positive test until you miss your period.

The biggest take away from this is if you’re serious about getting pregnant: learn your cycle.

I’m going to say that again. Learn your cycle. Not only will you know when to test, but it will help you get pregnant quicker.

You should check out the Ava Tracker. It’s is a modern cycle tracker that detects subtle changes in your body and tells you exactly where you are in your cycle. No faffing around with thermometers or ovulation sticks.

Early Pregnancy Tests

You know what a pregnancy test is but do you know how it works?

A pregnancy test works by measuring how much pregnancy hormone (hCG) is in your urine. Increased levels are only present in your urine when you are pregnant.

Remember I spoke about the egg releasing a hormone when it implants? This is the one.

The egg starts by releasing around 5 mIU/ml hCG and this number doubles every 2 days.

Early pregnancy tests will detect the hCG at 25 mIU/ml. Depending on your cycle you can get a positive result as early as 5-7 days before your period is due.

It’s important to remember test results are more reliable the later you take the test.

Read: The Best Early Pregnancy Test Reviews

Missed Your Period?

A late period is one of the main signs you are pregnant. It’s like natures own little pregnancy test.

By the time you’ve missed a period the levels of hCG in your urine are usually high enough to give a result which is 99% accurate.

This is the best time to test for pregnancy, as you are most likely to get a correct result.

Testing Early

When you’re actively trying for a baby, waiting for your missed period will drive you crazy.

It’s tempting to test early, and you may be lucky and get a positive. But there is something you need to know.

The earlier you test, the less accurate the result will be.

Check out how accurate early testing can be before your period is due. The number in brackets is the chance of false negative (a negative test but you’re pregnant).

• 6 days before – 53% (47%)
• 5 Days before – 62% (38%)
• 4 Days before – 74% (26%)
• 3 days before – 83% (17%)
• 2 days before – 92% (8%)
• 1 day before – 98% (2%)

It depends on how much of a risk you want to take that you get a false negative result.

A test will stay negative until you have enough hCG hormone in your pee for a test to detect it.

If you get a negative test before you are late for your period, you should test again in two days.

Testing early can result in you wasting a lot of money on expensive pregnancy tests. If you insist on testing early I recommend buying cheap pregnancy tests in bulk (these ones on Amazon are a great deal).

Once you get a positive, you can confirm it with a reliable brand or a blood test at the doctors.

Negative results before your period can put emotional stress. Also, consider how you will feel if you get a positive but then your period arrives?

Testing early runs the risk you notice a very early miscarriage which would have otherwise gone undetected.

False Negatives

There are a few reasons you may not get a positive test in the early stages of your pregnancy.

Ovulation – You may ovulate earlier or later than the average 14 days after your period. I’m going to sound like a broken record but learn your cycle. Detect your exact ovulation date with cervical mucus monitoring, using ovulation tests or taking your basal temperature.

Fertilization – It’s possible for your egg to be fertilized up to 24 hours after ovulation. It can throw off any tests result by a day.

Implantation – You won’t start to produce raised levels of hormones until your egg implants into the womb. Implantation can take anywhere from 5-12 days after ovulation. This difference is why some women get positive tests earlier than others.

Incorrect testing – If you don’t follow the pregnancy test instructions it may not give you accurate results. Always check your pregnancy test is in date. If you are unsure get a professional to do the test for you.

How to Avoid a False Negative Pregnancy Test

1. Don’t test too early. Give your body time to release enough hormone. You’ll thank me when you’re not filtering a photo of a pregnancy test to tell if it’s a faint line or not. If you get a negative try to wait for two days before testing again.
2. Using a Test that isn’t sensitive enough. Different pregnancy tests detect different levels of hCG. Look for one that detects 25 mIU/ml hCG for early results.
3. Time of Day. You are more likely to get a positive in the morning. This is because your urine is more concentrate and not diluted by the fluid you drink in the day.
4. Follow the Instructions. First, make sure the test is in date. Collect a urine sample and test straight away using the exact times given in the instructions. Don’t be tempted to leave the sample sitting.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

You may start to notice changes caused by pregnancy before you miss your period. These changes are caused by hormones affecting the body and how you feel.

Some of these sign include:

Tender breasts. Your breast tissues may feel heavier or tender as they adjust to hormone levels. This sign is more common if you’ve already had a baby.

Fatigue. You may feel exhausted in early pregnancy.

Sickness. Feeling nausea or sickness is a common sign of pregnancy. It usually happens after the 4-week mark. However, it can happen earlier if you are hormone sensitive.

Peeing more. The pregnancy hormones relax your soft tissue and can cause you to go to the toilet more often.

Emotions. Your mood may be all over the place flitting between happy and sad. It’s completely normal, even if you want to be pregnant. It’s natural to worry especially if you have health concerns or pregnancy losses before.

Time of Day

What’s the best time of day to take the test?

If you wait until your period is due to take a test, it shouldn’t matter what time of day you take the test.

If you decide to take the test very early, then I recommended you take the test in the morning. Your urine will be more concentrated and is more likely to detect the HGC in your urine.

* . * . *

Now you know the best time to take a pregnancy test you’re going to get accurate results. If you take one thing away from this it’s: start learning your cycle now.

It’s amazing what you can learn about your body once you start to read the signs it gives you.

And that’s pretty cool.

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