The journey to pregnancy (or TTC) can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. For many, it’s not as simple as just deciding to conceive. As someone who has been through this journey, I’ve learned a lot along the way. Here are 5 things I wish I had known sooner, or done differently when trying to get pregnant. I hope these tips will illuminate your own journey and serve as invaluable lessons learned from my own experience.
1. Learn bout your menstrual cycle & chart your signs of fertility
I didn’t fully understand the significance of my menstrual cycle and the signs of fertility until I struggled to conceive. I wish I had known earlier that there are only about six fertile days per cycle. This knowledge would have helped me to time my efforts better and increase my chances of conception.
I now understand just how important our menstrual cycles are to our health and the important things we can learn about our health and hormones through learning to chart and interpret our fertility signs properly.
Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about your period; it’s a monthly report card on your overall health. Charting your cycle can help you understand more about your health, hormones, and fertility. The following 3 fertility signs give you massive insight into your health.
👉🏼Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your temperature rises slightly after ovulation and stays elevated until your period begins. This rise indicates that you’ve ovulated and can help pinpoint the most fertile time of your cycle. It also gives enormous insight into progesterone levels and overall hormonal health.
👉🏼Cervical Mucus: Pay attention to changes in your cervical mucus throughout your cycle. Around ovulation, it becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, like raw egg white. This is fertile mucus designed to help sperm reach the egg- but it’s more than that! CM is a powerful tool to understand your hormones at a deeper level.
👉🏼Menstrual Flow and Duration: The length of your cycle the duration of your period, and the symptoms you experience during your period, can provide insights into your hormone balance and overall health.
2. While TTC, act like you’re already pregnant!
Have you heard this before? When planning to become pregnant, start behaving like you already are pregnant! This is because, a lot of the lifestyle changes, food and self care choices we make in pregnancy are just as critical for preparing for pregnancy! Preparation is key. I would advise anyone planning to conceive to start preparing at least 12 months before trying. This preparation includes eating the right foods, detoxifying your home, taking supplements, and engaging in physical activity that honours your body.
and while on the topic of prenatals... I never understood just how important selecting the right supplements were and wasted a lot of time and money on a scatter gun approach to supplements in the early days rather than seeking the support of a holistic professional for appropriate testing and prescription.
Head over to my recent post on Instagram titled ‘Are Your Prenatal Vitamins Truly Effective?’ Make sure to give it a read.
3. Listen to your gut!
Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and it’s important to listen to your instincts. There were some moments that I now look back at in hindsight and kick myself for not seeing the bigger picture, BUT there were also sometimes I tuned in innately and kicked arse too! If something feels off or not quite right, trust your gut. Your intuition can be a powerful tool in navigating the complexities of trying to conceive. If you feel like something isn’t right… it probably isn’t.
Trust 👏🏻your👏🏻gut👏🏻always.
4. Move your body in a way that honours her
Trying to get pregnant is not the time to be running marathons and flogging yourself at CrossFit. The body needs to feel like it has a safe environment to bring a baby into. During my fertility journey, I never realised the importance of gentle movement, until years in!
If you’re a bit of a gym junkie, consider switching it up to some of the following.
Yoga: Yoga became my go-to exercise during this time. It’s not just about the physical postures; it’s also about the breathwork and mindfulness. Yoga helped me connect with my body and reduce stress, both of which are crucial for fertility.
Walking: Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. I made it a point to take daily walks, soaking in the fresh air and sunshine. It was a great way to clear my mind and get my body moving without overdoing it.
Pilates: Pilates is another low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and posture. It’s gentle yet effective, making it perfect for those trying to conceive.
Gentle Strength Training: Instead of intense cardio, opt for gentle strength training. This helps to build strength without putting too much strain on the body.
Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that works your entire body. It’s gentle on the joints and can help reduce stress, making it an excellent choice for those trying to conceive.
Whatever form of exercise you choose, the key is to do it mindfully. Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust accordingly. Remember, the goal is to support your body, not push it to its limits.
5. Manage your stress
Stress can be a significant barrier to conception. It’s essential to find ways to manage your stress and calm your nervous system. This will not only improve your chances of getting pregnant, but also set a solid foundation for your journey into parenthood.
BONUS: Invest in the right help!
Lastly, I wish I had invested in the right help earlier. Instead of spending money on ineffective treatments or products, I would recommend seeking the guidance of professionals who understand fertility and nutrition. A naturopath, nutritionist, or fertility coach with expertise in these areas can make a world of difference in your journey.
My journey to pregnancy (the first time around) took almost 4 years. But you know what? Hindsight is a magical thing. Looking back, I realise that if I had known what I do now, perhaps that time would have been shorter.
But here’s the silver lining: without that experience, I wouldn’t now be in the incredible position I am today as a fertility and menstrual health coach. My goal? To help couples from around the world get pregnant naturally and joyfully!
I learned some of these lessons the hard way so that you don’t have to. If you’re ready to dive into the world of body literacy and uncover any hormonal imbalances that might be affecting your fertility, I’m here for you.
Ready to chat? Book a free 30-minute consultation with me here. Let’s make your journey to pregnancy as smooth and enjoyable as possible! 🌺✨
Wishing you balanced hormones & baby dust
Helpful resources
Download my FREE Preconception guide here 👉 Download the Guide
Join my exclusive TTC Community here 👉 Join the community
Book a free 30-minute Fertility Chat here 👉 Book a free chat
Connect with Hannah
Instagram 📱- @Thebodybluprint_
Facebook 🥳 @TheBodyBluprint
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions about fertility tracking, the blog, or just want to share your own experiences, please don’t hesitate to reach out below ❤️
Email ✉️ Hannah@thebodybluprint.com.au
If you’d like to learn more about achieving pregnancy with FAM, check out my signature program Transform Your Cycle here, or head to the programs page for an overview of all the supports available.
