Deciding to have a baby is one of the most important life decisions you will ever make and so it’s only natural to have lots of questions, but you need to make sure you are armed with all the correct information.

 

No doubt, you have probably heard lots of fertility “facts” from your friends and family. This can be overwhelming and it can be hard to know what’s true and what you should trust. So we have put together the correct answers to some of the most commonly asked questions for you. 

“IT IS REALLY EASY TO GET PREGNANT”

For some people, this may be true but it definitely not for everyone. The truth is that even a healthy, young couple at the peak of their fertility don’t have a 100% chance of successful conception when trying for a baby. Try not to put extra unnecessary pressure on yourselves, it is normal for couples to try for up to 6-12 months for a baby while having regular unprotected intercourse.

“YOU’VE HAD ONE BABY, OF COURSE, YOU CAN HAVE ANOTHER ONE”

Unfortunately having one successful pregnancy doesn’t always guarantee a second successful pregnancy. Some couples experience something called ‘secondary infertility’. This is where they have the inability to become pregnant or to carry a baby to term after previously having a baby. Secondary infertility can be surprising and stressful. If you think you are experiencing this then seek assistance from a medical professional. 

“IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO GET PREGNANT IT’S USUALLY A PROBLEM WITH THE WOMEN”

So many people think this and it simply isn’t the case, fertility is not just a women’s issue. When couples are struggling to get pregnant the causes are evenly split between female, male and unexplained where no known cause has been found. However, it is known that improving nutrition and lifestyle can make a difference. 

“YOUR LIFESTYLE WON’T AFFECT YOUR FERTILITY”

This is probably one of the most important misconceptions to debunk. Factors such as your weight, the foods you eat, how much you drink and if you smoke can all impact your fertility. We can’t stress enough how important a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and exercise are when trying for a baby. It may also be worth looking into fertility supplements too. 

“IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BABY BEFORE YOU’RE 35 THEN YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO”

This is another misconception that we are often bombarded with in the media. When you reach 35 you don’t suddenly become infertile. In reality, the majority of peoples’ fertility is at its peak in their early twenties and it will then decline gradually throughout their adult life. We are all unique and there is a lot you can do to support your conception efforts naturally. However, this being said, age is an important factor affecting a woman’s chance of conceiving so, it shouldn’t be completely disregarded. 

“IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO GET PREGNANT TRY IVF, IT ALWAYS WORKS”

There is a lot of false hope surrounding IVF, unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some couples are more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than others, this is because IVF is a stronger solution for combating some fertility problems compared to others. If you’re considering assisted conception then discuss this with your doctor to find the best solution for you. 

There is a lot to get your head around when you’re trying for a baby but educating yourself, being well informed and armed with the facts will make it easier. Of course, everyone’s pregnancy journey is different and what is best for someone else might not be for you, so don’t be afraid to reach out to a medical professional for specifically tailored advice.