How To Get Pregnant Fast

Sunday, 13 September 2009

So, you want to know how to get pregnant fast. Since there are only a few days each month when you have a chance to conceive, it's understandable that you'd want to maximize your chances each month. The thing is, if you want to know how to get pregnant fast, you need to have some understanding about the average time it takes most women to

become pregnant.

Among most women, there is a genuine lack of awareness about what the odds are each month for conception, and how long it should typically take to get pregnant, barring any medical problems.

It's not surprising, really, as most of the information women get about pregnancy throughout the years, is how to avoid it.

I dug up this information in an easy to follow chart format, to make things a little clearer.

Odds of getting pregnant in a given month, by age:
* early 20s: up to 25 percent
* late 20s and early 30s: up to 15 percent
* late 30s: up to 10 percent
* over 40: less than 5%

Number of women who achieve pregnancy within the first year of trying, by age:

* early 20s: 94 percent
* late 20s and early 30s: 70-85 percent
* late 30s: 65-70 percent

Average number of months to conception, by age:

* early 20s: 4-5 months
* late 20s: 5-7 months
* early 30s: 7-10 months
* late 30s: 10-12 months

So you see, even women in their twenties, in the prime of their fertility, only have a 25% chance of conceiving in a given month. These are women who are at peak fertility, and yet each month they have a 75% chance of NOT getting pregnant. If you're in your 30's or 40's the odds go down even more. And this is perfectly normal.

So, even though you may not get pregnant quite as fast as you would like, it's most important to do everything you can to improve your fertility so that it won't take any longer than necessary. Begin by avoiding some of the most common mistakes almost everyone makes when trying to get pregnant.

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Tips for relief of pregnancy-related discomfort

Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms are common, especially at the beginning of pregnancy.

* Plan light and more frequent meals.
* Do not eat solid and liquid foods at the same time. Drinks should be taken a half-hour before or after the meal.
* Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, sauces, and hot spices.
* Have breakfast 15 minutes before getting up to offset morning sickness.

Heartburn
This symptom often occurs toward the end of pregnancy. It is caused by the pressure of the baby against the mother's stomach.

* Eat light and more frequent meals.
* Eat in the evening, at least 2 hours before going to bed.
* Avoid fatty foods, coffee and cola drinks.

Flatulence

* Avoid foods with a fermentative effect, such as cabbage, leeks, garlic, onions, and legumes.
* Drink tap water or non-carbonated mineral water.
* Eat slowly and in peace and quiet.

Constipation
Intestinal movement is slowed during pregnancy, and this may result in, or worsen, digestive disorders.

* Drink at least 1.5 liters (3¼ pints) of fluids per day (water, herbal tea, fruit juice, milk).
* Eat fiber-rich food: whole-grain bread, vegetables, fruit, legumes.
* Drink a glass of cold water when you get up in the morning, and eat dried fruits (prunes).

Edema
This swelling of the legs, arms, and sometimes the face are due to water retention.
Do not go without salt except in special cases.

* Drink 1.5 liters (3¼ pints) daily

Food cravings for Pregnant Women

* Maintain a regular schedule of meals.
* Take small snacks between meals consisting of fruit, milk, yogurt, bread with cottage cheese, or whey.

Food Poisoning/g-i infections: toxoplasmosis, listeriosis
Some infections have serious effects on the embryo, but they can be prevented by observing the rules of hygiene.

* Always carefully peel and wash raw vegetables, fruit, and herbs (parsley, basil).
* Always wash your hands carefully before cooking, eating, after you have handled raw meat, or have touched sand or soil.
* Eat only well-cooked meat. Avoid tartar steak, fried sausage, meat fondue, rare steak, carpaccio.
* Avoid cats and their litter, as toxoplasmosis pathogens propagate in the cats' intestines.
* Do not eat uncooked fish, meat, milk, and eggs.
* Do not eat cheese rind.

Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy should be avoided if possible, as it affects the physical and mental development of the fetus. The risk of injury is particularly high in the early months.

Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, and cocoa (chocolate) as well as other foods. It has a stimulating effect and therefore speeds up the heart rate. Caffeine in the blood of a pregnant woman affects the heartbeat of the baby, which almost doubles. Pregnant women may take two cups of coffee or four cups of tea a day without endangering the fetus.

Tobacco
With each inhalation from a cigarette, nicotine enters the mother's circulatory system and also that of the fetus through the placenta. The blood vessels contract and the oxygen supply of the fetus is compromised. For this reason, tobacco is contraindicated during pregnancy (and this includes secondhand smoke).

Recommendations
Eat three meals daily plus small snacks. Don't skip breakfast.
Consume 3 or 4 portions of milk products daily.
Avoid weight-loss diets.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, take coffee in moderation.

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Energy and nutritional requirements

The pregnant mother's body is subject to greater demands to ensure fetal development as well as the growth, health and functioning of the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid. A daily increase of 150 calories in food consumption is recommended at the start of pregnancy, which will eventually reach an extra 250 calories a day by the end of pregnancy. This entails a "double-shot" in the form of a daily glass of milk during the first trimester and an additional piece of fruit or slice of bread during the final six months.

While weight gain is normal, the mother-to-be should not let herself starting "eating for two" (or more). The average weight gained is between 9 and 12 kg (20 to 26 lbs), although there is a natural variation between individuals. With overweight women, it may be less, while thinner women may gain more.

An additional intake of 10 g (1/3 ounce) of protein a day during the entire pregnancy is recommended to build up, maintain, and regenerate body tissue in both the fetus and mother. This daily ration of 70 g (2½ oz) of protein is guaranteed with our current nutritional recommendations. Glucose, the basic stuff of carbohydrates, is the main source of energy drawn on by the fetus. A daily intake of carbohydrates in the form of bread, pasta, or fruit is needed for a problem-free pregnancy. Fats with essential fatty acids are critical for the development and functioning of the baby's nervous system.

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Food recommendations for pregnant women

Many factors affect our eating behavior: individual needs and wants, health status, social environment, selection of available foods, advertising, etc. The following recommendations ( a sort of Nutrition Guide for Pregnant Women) ensure (in the form of a balanced diet) an adequate supply of energy, and nutritional and protective elements, and therefore represent healthy nutrition. The listed amounts and portions are averages; it is no possible to follow them exactly day by day.
Words in italics are especially important for


the mother-to-be.

Oils and Fats during Pregnancy:
Daily consumption: 2 teaspoons (10 g) nutritious vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, thistle oil, corn oil, unprocessed olive or canola oil, e.g., for salad dressings.
Daily consumption: at most 2 teaspoons (10 g) grease or cooking oil, such as peanut oil, or olive oil for hot meal preparation.
Daily consumption: at most 2 teaspoons (10 g) spread, i.e., butter or margarine.
Daily maximum: one meal heavy in fat such as deep fried or breaded foods, cheese dishes, fried potato cakes, bratwurst or hot dogs, cold cuts, dishes with sauces, shortcake or pastry dough, cake, pies, chocolate, etc.

Pastries/Snacks:
Use them in moderation - most sweets contain hidden fat. At most eat 1 small portion of sweet snacks daily (e.g. 1 chocolate bar, 1 piece of cake or a pastry, an ice cream).

Meat, Fish, Eggs, Legumes:
2 - 4 times per week: 1 portion meat (1 portion = 80-120 g, or 3-4 oz). More is unnecessary, less is permitted. At most, one meal of cured meats such as ham, sausage or bacon in place of meat.
At most, one meal per month of offal, such as kidney, tripe, or brains (1 portion = 80-120 g, or 3-4 oz).

Avoid liver:
1-2 portions fish per week (1 portion = 100-120 g, or 3½ -4 oz).
2-3 eggs per week, including those used in baked goods, soufflés, or cream sauces.

They should be cooked to avoid food poisoning:
Per week: 1-2 portions legumes and derivates e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans (1 portion = 40-60 g, or 1½ -2 oz, dry weight), tofu (1 portion = 100-120 g, or 3½ -4 oz)

Milk and Milk products:
Per day: 3-4 portions of milk products (1 portion = 0.2 liter or ½ pint of milk, or 1 cup of yogurt, or 30 g= 1 oz hard cheese or 60 g = 2 oz soft cheese).

Grain Products and Potatoes:
Daily consumption: eat 3-4 portions of starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, cereals or pastas, preferably whole-grain products. The portion size depends on the frequency and amount of physical activity practiced.

Fruits for Pregnant Women:
Per day: 2-3 portions of fruit, raw if at all possible (1 portion = 1 apple, 1 banana, 3 plums or a bowl of berries).

Vegetables for Pregnant Women:
Per day: 2-3 portions of vegetables, one of which should be raw, e.g., as a dip vegetable or a mixed salad (1 portion = 100 g = 3½ oz raw vegetables, or 150-200 g = 5-7 oz cooked vegetables, 50 g = 1¾ oz green salad or 100 g = 3½ oz mixed salad).

Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks:
Drink at least 1.5 liters (3¼ pints) of liquid per day, preferably unsweetened nonalcoholic drinks.
Replace fluids in the case of vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy perspiration.
Alcohol: for her own benefit and that of her unborn child, the pregnant mother should avoid alcohol consumption, as it is assimilated by the fetus.

By following these recommendations for correct nutrition for pregnant women, you'll ensure the health and proper development of your baby.
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