Secrets of Conception

Check your timing Start monitoring your menstruation cycle closely. If you have an average 28-day menstruation cycle, your ovulation will probably occur on day 14. Therefore, your fertile period lasts from day 11 to day 16, and days 13, 14 and 15 bring you the highest likelihood of pregnancy. Since sperm can live in the body for four to five days, have sexual intercourse just before your ovulation in order to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

Change your diet Make sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet.

Practice patience. When it comes to making a baby, most couples don't succeed on the first (or second, or third) go around. In fact, it takes most fertile couples in their 20s six cycles (or more as your age increases) before hitting the pregnancy jackpot. So when at first you don't succeed, try, try again — patiently.

Exercise — but not too much. Strenuous or excessive exercise can hurt your chances for conception, but a good exercise program can put you on the right track – plus it can enhance relaxation.

Get your partner involved. And I'm not just talking about sex — though he'll definitely (happily) play an important role there. Making sure your partner improves his health habits as you do will improve your chances for conception. The same bad habits that can do a number on your fertility (poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and so on) can also interfere with his ability to get you pregnant. Feed him the same healthy diet you're eating and give him a vitamin supplement for dessert.