First step

It’s a big decision for us to set a date to start trying for a baby. It fills us with excitement as well as fear. Questions keep popping into our head, will we be good parents? What if we can’t become pregnant? And most importantly – how an earth do we go about conceiving a baby? (It’s harder than it seems) The Ovulation calculator can predict exactly which days I am fertile over the next year so we can plan that romantic weekend! Having a few friends and relative trying hard to conceive but failed did not make this easy for us. We know the frustration and stressfulness on trying for a baby, and finding out you’re not pregnant. That's why I'm getting myself arm with sufficient information and increase them from time to time. Hope this will be useful info for others who are on the same track as us.

How does it take to get pregnant?

The length of time it takes to get pregnant is completely different for each couple, and while your health, lifestyle, age and when you decide to start trying for a baby are factors to consider, how long it takes is a lottery for most couples. It’s worth remembering that if you have regular intercourse without protection, 25 per cent will conceive in the first month, 60 per cent within six months, 75 per cent within nine months, 80 per cent within a year and 90 per cent within 18 months.

It goes without saying that the healthier you are, the more likely you are to conceive. One of the common reasons for infertility is your weight. Being overweight may cause insulin levels to rise in your body, which may cause your ovaries to over produce male hormones such as testosterone, which can cause ovulation problems.Studies from the British Medical Journal found that women with a high waist to hip ratio or an ‘apple’ shape had more difficulty conceiving than those with a low waist to hip ratio or a ‘pear shape’. If you are too thin, your body can also stop ovulating, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight. It is important to start eating a healthy, varied diet at least three months before you try to conceive so your body (and your partner’s) is in tip top shape.

Other factors may be the work environment. Both men and women can be exposed to unseen hazards in the work place, which can affect their reproductive health. Your office probably looks harmless, but it may be time to pay attention to the potential hazards surrounding you while you work. Most offices are completely safe, so there’s no need to panic, but it’s worth investigating your office environment if you suspect you or people in your office are finding it hard to conceive.

Computers Office equipment like fax machines and computer terminals emit a low frequency radiation, so too much exposure can pose a risk. Try to stay clear of the back of your monitor, as this is where most of the radiation is emitted. Arrange your desk so you are not facing the back of anyone else’s computer whilst you work. Push your screen back as far as it will go on your desk (as long as you can still see) and avoid taking breaks or eating your lunch near the back or side of your terminal, or turn your computer off if you do.

Poor ventilation from dirty heating or air-conditioning systems can be harmful so speak with your employer or human resources department if you suspect the system needs to be checked.

Chemicals Direct contact with toxic chemicals, often those associated with photocopiers and printers can cause a problem, especially if you work somewhere that manufactures these products. If you work in hospitals and are exposed to dangerous chemicals, or on farms where you come into contact with pesticides or pollutants it may also affect your fertility. Read the instructions carefully when dealing with chemicals and always use the correct dosage.

High temperatures are especially dangerous for male fertility, as working in conditions over 100 degrees will affect sperm production. Kitchens, restaurants, bakeries and factories can get this hot, so make sure you take regular breaks in a cooler environment.

Sitting still for long periods of time at a desk, or long-distance driving can also affect sperm production, as the testicular area can warm up if air isn’t circulating around it. Give yourself plenty of breaks where you can walk around, and don’t wear tight trousers. Having a hot laptop on your lap does much the same thing, so put a pillow underneath to protect yourself. Testicles hang below a man’s body so are at a lower temperature than the rest of the body, but if conditions get too hot, the production of sperm is at risk.