Are you trying to become pregnant? When you hear the gleeful laughter of a child or see the wide-eyed, innocent smile of a baby, do you feel the pangs of being childless? When your menstrual cycle is late, do you rush to take a pregnancy test only to be disappointed again? When a woman struggles to become pregnant, it can become a source of worry and heartache. However, since a woman only has a 25% to 30% chance of concieving each month, conception can take time. Therefore, anything that can increase odds of becoming pregnant is welcome. By implementing the followng tips on getting pregnant, hopefully you will become pregnant easier and faster.

For a woman to concieve, the egg needs to be fertilized during ovulation. Although ovulation can occur at any time of the month, in most women with a regular menstrual cycle, it occurs on approximately the 14th day of her cycle. After the egg is released from the ovaries, it starts disintegrating after 24 hours. Therefore, anything you can do to increase your chances of concieving is beneficial. When trying to concieve, the following tips on getting pregnant may increase your odds in becoming pregnant.

• One of the most important things you can do is learn about your menstrual cycle, the signs of ovulation, and tracking your basal body temperature.
• Buy ovulation predictor kits; they can help you pinpoint ovulation better.Although tracking your basal body temperature is important, it tells you after ovulation has occurred.
• Stop taking birth control pills three months before you want to become pregnant.
• Cut down on caffiene. It reduces your ability to absorb iron and increases the chances of having a stillborn.
• Stop smoking, drinking, and taking drugs. These factors can cause low birthweights, miscarriages, and premature births. Even secondhand smoke may decrease your fertility.
• Avoid ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can interfere with the implantation of the embryo and cause other problems during pregnancy too.
• Take folic acid. Folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Avoid stress. Stress can affect ovulation.
• If you're depressed, seek treatment. Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems getting pregnant.
• Maintain a normal body weight. Women who have a body mass index less than 20 or greater than 30 have more difficulty becoming pregnant.
• Although exercise is good for you; don't overdo it. According to James Goldfarb, MD, director of the infertility service at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, "Exercising 7 days a week for 45 to 50 minutes a day will cause a problem in the majority of women."
• Avoid scented tampons, vaginal deodorants, and douches. These can affect vaginal pH and the sperm's ability to survive.
• Using a pre-seed lubricant can help conception especially if you have problems with your cervical mucous.
• Have sex at least three times a week especially during the time of ovulation. Since the egg is only viable for 24 hours after it is released whereas the sperm can live for up to five days, your chances for conception are greater prior to ovulation rather than after ovulation.
• Some experts believe the best sexual position for conception is the missionary position. Avoid positions that allow the sperm to leak out.
• After sexual intercourse, do not get up and wash right away. Lay in bed with hips elevated on a pillow for at least 15 minutes. This prevents sperm from escaping and increases the concentration of sperm at the cervix.
• If your mate wears tight-fitting briefs have him switch over to boxer shorts. Brief can affect the temperature in the scrotal area and affect sperm production.
• Don't put off having a baby. Realistically, a good time to have a child usually doesn't come. Fertility decreases with age especially after you reach your 30's.

By implementing these tips on becoming pregnant, hopefully, you will become pregnat faster. According to Paul Hillard, MD, a professor of obstretics and gynecology at Stafford University School of Medicine in Palo, Alto, CA, 85% of women will become pregnant within a year. If you don't become pregnant within a year, stay positive and don't give up. If you don't become pregnant after a year or you are older than 35 years of age, consult with your doctor for further exploration. However, don't give up and stay positive. Stress, especially worrying about becoming pregnant, can affect your chances of becoming pregnant. After giving up or placing their names on an adoption list, many couples have suddenly become pregnant.