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Parenting
trying to conceive
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Parenting
trying to conceive
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Entertainment
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If there's anything that comes as a shock to moms trying to conceive, it's how hard it can be to get pregnant. And the Today show guest host Khloe Kardashian is no exception.
"It's so hard. I never knew about ovulation and the limited amount of time that you have to get pregnant,” Kardashian said, according to Us Weekly. Khloe, who’s been married to Lamar Odom since September 2009, opened up about her struggle to conceive a baby, and we all felt for her.
So, Khloe, and anyone out there trying to get pregnant: Here's a cheat sheet to help you with the baby-making basics.
Try to keep a positive outlook
Even without any complications, most women report that it takes around six months to one year to score a positive preggo test. While you're trying, remember to eat healthy meals, take prenatal vitamins, and try to keep stress in check.
Know your body
You might not have ever given much thought to what’s going on “down there,” but those in full-on conception mode learn exactly how to spot the signs of fertility. Check out the details here.
Keep an eye on the calendar
There are actually only a few days a month in which conception can take place, and that varies depending on your cycle (we’re not all blessed to be on the 28-day schedule, as you know). Use our Ovulation Calculator and mark your “date night” on the calendar.
Take your temperature
Find out how your basal body temperature (your temp first thing in the morning before you get out of bed) can tip you off as to when to do the deed.
Get technical
Over-the-counter ovulation kits can help you pinpoint your two most-fertile days, by detecting the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that precedes ovulation. While it's expensive, a fertility monitor actually tracks two different hormones, alerting you to a longer window of fertile days. And yes, there are ovulation apps, too.
Don’t get caught up in myths
I have a cousin who swears he got his wife pregnant because he left his socks on. But, hey, whatever works, right? Read about some other old wives tales here.
Seek help
Talk to your doctor if you're under 35 and it takes you longer than a year to get pregnant; if you're over 35, see a doctor after six months. She can run some basic tests to check your fertility -- and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
