Getting pregnant: where to start!

Are you both ready?
For many couples, various factors such as personal stability in their life and work play a part in coming to the decision that the time is right for a family. As all men and women have such different lives, it would not be right to lay down a checklist for what the ideal time and circumstances are, but be happy in yourself as an individual and as a partnership, that this is what you want. Having a baby is exciting and amazing, but it's not easy! Think carefully about the various factors which might help you decide, assessed alongside your own circumstances: are you ready for a baby?
Although a woman has obvious direct responsibilities in bringing a child, physically, into the world, it is also important that a woman understands the male role in trying for a baby as well as her partner does.

Is your body ready?
Mums (and dads) come in all shapes and sizes! Still, there are some aspects of your personal health which will not only make it easier to get pregnant, but which will help you and your baby have the best possible pregnancy and birth.
Think about your personal fitness. You don't need to be an Olympian, but once you are pregnant, over-exercising or excessive dieting won't be sensible.
Many people experience sexual health issues in their lives pre-pregnancy, even if this is just being treated for thrush. However, conditions like chlamydia are common and can go undetected. Even if they do not affect your pregnancy they can affect the baby, so it is worth taking a look at the ThinkBaby preconception sexual health checklist now. Many problems can be addressed easily and safely long before pregnancy (though you will also be screened early in pregnancy to ensure no sexual health problems are likely to affect you or your child).
If you have had any gynaecological health problems in the past, these may affect your chances of conception, so to put your mind at rest, ask your GP now if he or she feels these might present any problems or need addressing before you start trying for a baby. The man's health is also worth assessing at this time.
Other ongoing conditions such as diabetes don't mean having a baby is out of the question, but again, are worth discussing now with your GP.
If you are trying again after having a miscarriage, there is usually no reason why you can't get pregnant again.

Taking active steps now
Enjoying a happy regular sex life is a great way to get pregnant!
However, if you have just decided to start trying, there are a few things you can do to improve your diet for conception and pregnancy, which research suggests can be good to start a few months ahead of getting pregnant.
There is a charity called Foresight who champion good diet as key to the long-term health of the baby you will have.
Additionally, medical advice now strongly advises that women take a supplement of folic acid ideally at least three months before you actively start trying for a baby. Folic acid has been found to be important in the development of the brain and spine from the earliest days of the fetus's growth. It has been found that vitamin E can be a useful supplement too.
As with ongoing health issues, the partner's role is important here and male diet and supplements are also important.

Getting yourself organised
Alcohol and smoking can affect your chances of getting pregnant quickly, and if these are a big issue for you, it might be worth tackling them now rather than waiting until you get pregnant, when having to cut them out will be essential. It's not easy to give up smoking for conception and pregnancy but it will really help if you can overcome this now. Alcohol can be managed in moderation, but think about your lifestyle and areas where excessive drinking can be cut out by a change in social life, for example.
Are you planning to make any major changes to work and home life? Are you planning to move home or start a new job? If you are worried about how much maternity cover you might get, check out where you stand with maternity law. If you are about to go on a major trip and need to have any medical treatment or vaccinations it can be a good idea to get these sorted while you know you are not pregnant. Some treatments or medications are not advisable if you are, or think you might be pregnant.
Tip: Once you are trying for a baby, remember to tell pharmacists or any doctor who might be giving you medical treatment, as there are certain medications and therapies which can be selected which are safer for pregnant women (and those who think they might be pregnant).

Getting down to it!
OK, so you're finally ready to start trying? If you are coming off the pill it might take a little longer to get pregnant, but not necessarily. Everyone's body is different, but if it takes a couple of months or so, don't be downhearted and instead see this time as a great chance to get your body in shape for pregnancy, contraceptionl-free.
The big question most couples ask is, 'How long does it take to conceive?'. It varies hugely, but on average it takes around three-to-six months. It tends to take longer if you are over 30, but conception involves many physical factors coming together at the same time, so don't even think about investigating infertility until you have been trying regularly for about a year. (If you are over 35, you might want to discuss the issue with your doctor after six months of trying, but still do not immediately presume there is a 'problem'.)
There is actually only a small window of opportunity to conceive each month, and although experts advise couples to simply enjoy regular intercourse through the month, it can be useful to get to understand your own menstrual cycle.

Beyond that, don't miss the ThinkBaby Top Tips for Conception, and always remember that there are lots and lots of wonderful people like you out there who are going through the same thing. You can share your hopes, experiences and support on the Trying for a Baby Forums.

Good luck!