Getting pregnant ...

Wives tales and wild theories aside, there's really only one thing you need to do to get pregnant.

Have sex. And lots of it.

In order to increase your chances of conception, you should have lots of sex. It might sound simplistic (even patronising) as a piece of advice, but it's very important to make time in your busy lives to include sex if you want to get pregnant.

Many couples fuddle around with ovulation test kits trying to pinpoint the exact moment of ovulation. However, waiting for the perfect moment means you're giving yourself only a narrow window of opportunity.

Egg versus Sperm:

An unfertilised egg has a lifespan of only 24 - 48 hours, but sperm can survive for up to 5 days. You don't know if your egg will last 1 or 2 days, so assume the minimal survival chances of the egg and put your money on the lifespan of sperm.

Here's where lots of sex comes in handy. Consider this:

If you have sex every day for the 5 days leading up to your expected date of ovulation (which is assumed to be around 14 days from the start of your last period) you are essentially giving yourself up to 10 days of viable sperm.

That's a wide window of opportunity, and with literally billions of sperm swimming their way through the female reproductive system, each surving up to 5 days, there's got to be a good chance of at least one reaching its target before the egg's limited lifespan ends.

Lots of sex doesn't have to tire you out:

Don't let it turn into an ugly routine. Make each day of sex special and unique. Set up a "love den" outside the bedroom with candles, sexy music, kinky costumes, toys and lubes (whatever floats your boat) readily available. Experiment and have fun. Wouldn't it be nice to know that your child was conceived with a big smile on your face?



Of course, getting pregnant relies on both the man and the woman being fertile. In the case of fertility problems seek medical advice. Women over the age of 35 will take longer to conceive and should keep trying.