TTC & Fertility 101: What To Know Before You Start Trying To Conceive

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding The TTC Journey: The TTC journey involves learning about your body's reproductive health, managing emotions, and making lifestyle adjustments.
• Preparing For Conception: Getting your body ready to conceive involves eating healthy foods, getting regular moderate exercise, and keeping your stress levels in check.¹
• Factors That Influence Fertility: Factors affecting fertility include age, lifestyle, health conditions, and environmental factors, all of which can influence your chances of conceiving.¹

Thinking about having a baby? Trying to conceive (TTC) is exciting but can also be confusing. Starting the journey to become a parent is a big and life-changing experience, and sometimes it's hard to know what to do.

At Wholesome Story, we get how personal the TTC journey can be. We’re here to give you the tools and info you need to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Whether you’re just beginning to think about starting a family or have been trying for a while, knowing the basics of fertility can really help.

Wholesome Story’s products can help support you along the way. For example, our Fertility Support* For Her supplements and Male Fertility Support* Supplement are here for you every step of the way.*

In this article, we’ll discuss important things you need to know before TTC, and the support that Wholesome Story can provide during this journey.

Understanding The TTC Journey

The journey to having a baby can be a roller coaster of feelings, with everyone offering their opinions. But really, it comes down to understanding how your body works, especially when you're most fertile and what else plays a role in getting pregnant.

Getting Ready for a Healthy Pregnancy

It makes sense for individuals trying to get pregnant to learn about improving their health since lifestyle choices can significantly impact fertility. This often means scheduling regular doctor appointments and avoiding harmful substances like smoking, drinking alcohol, or having too much caffeine, which may affect your ability to get pregnant. It's also wise to discuss all current medications with a doctor, as some can affect reproductive function. By taking these proactive steps, you can potentially increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.²

Taking Care of Your Mental Health 

Trying to get pregnant isn’t only about knowing how your body works—it’s also an emotional experience. Each month can bring a mix of hope, anxiety, and frustration, and these feelings are completely normal. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or discouraged along the way. That’s why having emotional support matters. Talking with your doctor about your mental health can be helpful when it comes to making a plan.²

Overall, taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as taking care of your body.

Gaining Knowledge 

As you continue your journey toward becoming a parent, you’ll come across a lot of information about healthy habits, nutrition, and how to take care of your body and mind. It might feel overwhelming at times, but learning more can also make you feel more confident and in control. Each piece of knowledge is a tool to help you make smart choices about your health and future. For reliable guidance, check out trusted resources like the CDC’s Pregnancy Planning page, Office on Women’s Health, and March of Dimes.

The Main Takeaway

Remember, the TTC journey isn’t a race—it’s a personal path that looks different for everyone. Whether you're just beginning or have been trying for some time, it's important to be patient with yourself, stay kind to your body, and stay open to learning along the way. 

Important: It is always a good idea to meet with your doctor before trying to get pregnant. They can suggest health checks and simple lifestyle changes that may help improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.¹

How To Prepare Your Body For Conception

Getting ready to try for a baby can be exciting and a little scary. But don't worry! There are things you can do that can help get your body ready for pregnancy, like:

• Eat A Healthy Diet: It's important to focus on eating a balanced diet with the necessary nutrients. A healthy diet helps support your overall health as you get ready for pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the best foods to eat to make sure you're getting everything you need.¹
• Get Your Exercise In: Exercise is really important, but finding the right amount is key. Regular, moderate exercise can make you healthier overall and improve your fertility.¹ Good choices include things like yoga, swimming, or walking at a fast pace. Just be careful not to exercise too much, as that could sometimes cause problems with periods.¹
• Manage Your Stress: Dealing with stress is also key when trying to get pregnant. Studies show that stress can mess with the hormones that are important for fertility in both men and women. Finding ways to relax, like meditation or deep breathing, might help keep your hormones balanced, which could make it easier to conceive.¹
• Get A Good Night's Sleep: Getting enough sleep is an important part of staying healthy and some research shows it’s also an important part of supporting healthy fertility. When your body is well-rested, it works better, which might make it easier to get pregnant. Making sleep a regular part of your routine can be a helpful step on your fertility journey.³

Factors That Can Impact Fertility

When it comes to having a baby, every body and situation is unique. Let's get into some of the key elements that can impact your journey to conception: 

• Age: As you get older, getting pregnant can become more challenging, and it’s completely normal to have questions or concerns about that. Women typically have the highest chances of getting pregnant in their 20s, and while it may take a bit more time in your 30s or 40s, many still go on to have healthy pregnancies. Understanding these changes can empower you to make informed choices and feel more confident as you plan your path to parenthood.⁴
• Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all important for your fertility. Studies suggest that your lifestyle can have a big impact on your ability to have children. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and keeping your stress levels down can all help create a better environment for getting pregnant.¹
• Environmental Factors: Certain things in the environment can also affect fertility. Studies suggest that being around harmful substances, also known as environmental toxins, can lead to fertility problems. So, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and try to reduce your exposure to these toxins.⁵

Some examples of environmental toxins women should avoid if they are trying to get pregnant include pesticides (particularly those found in non-organic produce), BPA (found in plastics, including canned food liners), phthalates (often found in personal care products and vinyl), and heavy metals like lead or mercury (sometimes found in old pipes or certain seafood).⁵,⁶

The Fertile Window: When To Try

The best time to try to get pregnant is during your fertile window. For most women, this is the five days before you release an egg (ovulation), the day of ovulation, and the day after.⁷ To figure out when this time is for you, it helps to keep track of your monthly cycle.⁷ Here are some ways to do that:

• Track your period and count the days.⁷
• Use ovulation kits to test hormone levels.⁷
• Notice your cervical mucus (a fluid made by the cervix that changes during the month to either help or block sperm from reaching the egg)—it becomes stretchy and clear when you’re fertile.⁷
• Try a fertility app to keep track of everything.⁷

The more you understand your body, the easier it will be to know the right time to try for a baby. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the world of TTC, it's your secret weapon.

The Role Of Hormones In Fertility

Hormones are chemicals that help control your body's natural processes, including your reproductive system. Important hormones for fertility include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH): These hormones can help with egg and sperm development.⁸
• Estrogen and Progesterone: These hormones prepare the body for pregnancy and support it during the fertility journey.⁹
• Testosterone: Testosterone is a hormone that helps the body make sperm, which is needed for a man to help start a pregnancy. ¹⁰

Understanding how hormones affect fertility is an important step in taking charge of your health and getting your body ready to conceive.

Final Thoughts

Navigating your fertility journey is a deeply personal experience.

At Wholesome Story, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our clean-label supplements are designed to help support your fertility journey,* whether that be our Fertility Support* For Her Supplements or our Male Fertility Support* supplement. We believe in better health and better stories, and that's why we're committed to providing you with the tools to support your health and wellness.* 

As you learn more about trying to conceive (TTC) and fertility, remember you're not going through this by yourself. Wholesome Story wants to give you the information and tools you need, along with our reliable supplements*, so you feel supported and can find balance and well-being.* Let’s step forward and navigate this fertility journey together! 

Read also:

• Can You Take Inositol While Pregnant? What You Need To Know
• Will Birth Control Mess Up My Fertility In The Future?
• Morning Sickness Myths

Frequently Asked Questions About TTC & Fertility

What is the best time to try for conception?

The best time to try to get pregnant is during your fertile window. This is usually the five days before you release an egg (ovulation) the day you ovulate, and the day after.⁷ Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of your menstrual cycle.⁷

How long does it typically take to conceive?

Most couples are able to get pregnant within 6 months to 1 year of trying.¹¹ However, every journey is unique, and it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider for specific advice. 

What lifestyle changes should I make before trying to get pregnant?

Before TTC, consider adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.¹

How does age affect fertility?

Age significantly impacts fertility, particularly for women. Fertility begins to decline in your late 20’s and more sharply after age 35.⁴ Men also experience a decline in fertility, though less dramatically, starting in their 40s.¹² Understanding these changes can help you plan your family-building journey. 

What is important to keep in mind on a journey to conceiving? 

Remember that everyone's path to pregnancy is different, and it can take time. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle, understanding your body's cycles, and seeking support when needed are all important parts of this journey.¹,⁷

How can I track my ovulation cycle?

There are different ways to track when you're ovulating. You can use ovulation test strips, check your body temperature, and pay attention to changes in your cervical mucus.⁷

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer

Sources: 

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