From social media posts to well-meaning aunts, there is no shortage of information out there to help you get pregnant. While this advice is always well intentioned, some of it is false and can put unnecessary pressure or stress on your conception journey. Here are some of the most common, preconceptions, misconceptions, and downright myths about how best to conceive.

You have until you’re 40

There are so many stories about women getting pregnant at 40 or even older than some people may be fooled into thinking they have until they are 40 to conceive. And while you may get pregnant, the fact of the matter is that by 40, your chances are less than 5% per cycle.

Only have sex when you ovulate on day 14

While the 14^th day of your cycle is widely accepted as the best day to conceive, not all women have the same cycle length and you are actually most fertile in the days leading up to the 14^th day. Ovulation occurs anytime between day 11 and day 21 so having sex in the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation gives you the best chances of conceiving.

An egg can be fertilised up to 2 days after being released

Your egg will only last between 12-24 hours while sperm can wait around for about 3 days so catching ovulation early is the key. Working out exactly when you are ovulating is a much better idea, so you can prepare early and catch the egg as soon as possible.

You can wait until you’re pregnant before you need to cut the caffeine

If you love your daily latte, you may think that you should only cut back when you are pregnant. However, too much caffeine can affect fertility and it can even lead to early miscarriage. Stick to 1-2 shots of coffee at the most while you are trying to conceive, and this level of caffeine is acceptable during your pregnancy too. So you don’t have to cut caffeine out, just cut it back.

Stress doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant

Stress will not completely prevent you from conceiving, but when you are stressed, especially if you are suffering with prolonged stress, your body’s other functions take a back seat so it can affect your ability to conceive. Reducing stress levels will not only aid fertility, it will also improve your health and wellbeing, helping you and your body prepare for pregnancy.

You can’t get pregnant if you’re on your period

Your ovulation day changes from month to month, so it is possible that any sperm remaining after having sex during your period may still be around when you ovulate. Sperm can survive in your uterus for up to 5 days so there is a slim chance of conceiving, especially if you have a shorter menstruation cycle.

If you, a friend, or family member are struggling to conceive or you are already engaged in fertility treatment and feel lonely and isolated, I am here to provide confidential, non-judgemental fertility counselling in Beaconsfield and online. Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation at a time that suits you.