Helpful Tips to Get Pregnant Fast

You find yourself absentmindedly humming lullabies, you slow down as you walk past the baby aisle, and you swear you keep seeing storks out of the corner of your eye. It’s even easy to say yes when you ask yourself “am I ready for a baby.” Baby fever is hitting—hard. Once you’re ready to start a family, it’s only natural to want your bundle of joy to arrive as soon as possible. Fortunately, with the advent of modern hormone therapy and science-backed lifestyle changes, increasing your chances of getting pregnant fast has never been easier.

Preparing your body to get pregnant quickly takes dedication and planning. Be sure to seek medical advice from your primary care provider and pay a visit to an OB-GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproductive medicine). By developing a personalized baby-making plan based on clinical research and your fertility specialist or doctor’s advice, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant fast (and break that baby fever).

Getting Started: Fertility 101

Before taking the first steps toward pregnancy, an understanding of your reproductive system can help set the stage, so let’s take a moment to identify some key fertility vocab:

• Ovum – The medical term for a female gamete, or egg cell, which can be fertilized to produce a baby, or shed through your period if left unfertilized. Although women make over 300,000 eggs in a lifetime, only 300 to 400 of these eggs reach ovulation.
• Ovulation – The discharge of a mature (ready-to-go) ovum from the ovary into your fallopian tubes, where it has the potential to be fertilized by a sperm within 24 hours of release. Ovulation occurs only once during a typical menstrual cycle, around the midpoint of your cycle. When you ovulate, your fertility increases because a viable gamete is now available for fertilization. The translation? Ovulation is when you have the highest likelihood of conceiving.

Because the entire female reproductive process relies on ovulation, it’s important to understand when you’re ovulating. That brings us to our first how to get pregnant fast tip—create a baby-making schedule.

#1 Make A Schedule

The number one way to boost your chance of pregnancy is to have sex at the right time. How do you figure out when that time might be? When it comes to your fertility, certain times during your cycle offer higher viability. You’re most likely to become pregnant during the four days leading up to ovulation, plus the day you ovulate. This is because sperm can actually survive in your reproductive tract for up to 5 days. (What can we say? Those fellas are dedicated!) By tracking your menstrual cycle, you can predict when you ovulate each month, and in turn, predict your fertile window. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to track your cycle and determine when you’re ovulating next:

• Use a calendar or tracking app – The next time you get your period, mark it on a calendar or in a menstrual cycle tracking app, like Flo or Clue. Be sure to note your next few periods as well. After several months of tracking, you’ll be able to determine the length of your menstrual cycle (which can be as short as 26 days or as long as 32 days). Since ovulation typically occurs at the midpoint of your cycle, you can divide the number of days in your cycle by 2 to determine how many days into your cycle you’re likely to start the ovulation cycle.
• Pay attention to your cervical mucus – Over the course of your cycle, your cervical mucus changes to facilitate fertilization. In the days leading up to ovulation day, your cervical mucus will increase and become more clear and slippery. This consistency makes it easier for sperm to travel through your reproductive tract and reach your fallopian tubes, where your mature egg waits to be fertilized.
• Track your basal body temperature – Your basal body temperature (or BBT) is the lowest healthy temperature your body can achieve. During ovulation, your BBT spikes, albeit subtly—sometimes by as little as 1/10th of a degree. Fortunately, a basal thermometer specifically designed to detect BBT can help you track these minute changes. Because your body only reaches BBT while at rest, it’s important to measure your BBT immediately upon waking up (even before getting out of bed). By taking your BBT at the same time every day for at least 3 months, you’ll be able to identify a pattern and determine your fertile window and ovulation day.
• Take an over-the-counter ovulation test – An ovulation test work by detecting levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, as this is the hormone that surges 24 to 36 hours before you ovulate. Once you test positive for LH, it’s time to get busy with your partner.

Using one (or a combination!) of these techniques can help you pinpoint the days you’re most likely to get that egg fertilized and start the bun in your oven. For more tips on timing, visit our articles on best position to get pregnant, how to prepare for pregnancy, and age and fertility.

#2 Pay Attention To Your Diet

The foods you eat can have a major impact on fertility. Clinical studies advocate for a clean and healthy diet that avoids high-glycemic, processed foods and promotes proteins, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. So, be sure to watch out for foods to avoid when trying to get pregnant. Need a cheat sheet? The following foods contain fertility-enhancing nutrients you’ll want to stock up on:

• Leafy greens – Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, and mustard greens are packed full of iron and folate—both essential minerals for female fertility. While iron can help increase your body’s ability to produce healthy eggs, folate can decrease your risk of anovulation, a condition that prevents your body from releasing an egg at all.
• Berries – If you’re a fan of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, you’re in luck! These tiny but mighty fruits contain high levels of antioxidants and zinc, both of which are important for protecting your body against free radicals and viruses. On top of keeping your body in tip-top shape for baby-making, one study found that a higher intake of fruit before pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes. For more on the benefits of berries, check out goji berries and pregnancy.
• Sweet potatoes – To increase your odds of conceiving your own little sweet potato, consider adding this delectable, vitamin A-boosting veggie into your daily meal rotation. Why? Research has found a correlation between a lack of vitamin A and lower levels of luteinizing hormone, the hormone responsible for stimulating ovulation.
• Whole milk Greek yogurt – Studies suggest that high-fat dairy products, like whole milk Greek yogurt, may decrease the risk of anovulation, potentially due to their high levels of calcium, vitamin D, and fat-soluble substances.
• Salmon – Have you heard of omega-3 fatty acids? These heart-healthy fatty acids can protect your eggs from age-related decline and eating omega-3 rich foods is also one of the best ways how to improve egg quality. This helps in ensuring they’re ready for fertilization. And when it comes to natural omega-3s, salmon is chock full of them.
• Cut the caffeine – Cutting down on caffeine intake can help support a healthy pregnancy. So if you usually reach for a second or third cup of coffee, you may want to reach for a glass of water instead or learn about coffee substitute for pregnant women.

Incorporating a diet rich in these fertility-enhancing foods can be a proactive step in your journey to conception. Remember that everyone’s body is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to tailor your diet to your specific needs. For more information on foods that support fertility, explore our blog post on foods to eat during implantation.

#3 Eliminate Toxins

When it comes to boosting your fertility and getting pregnant fast, it’s not just about what you put into your body—it’s also about what you keep out of your body. Toxic substances and chemicals can accelerate egg loss, cause a fertility problem, and impair your chances of successful implantation. It can even cause birth defects. So it’s best to avoid the following when you’re trying for a little one:

• Cigarettes – Due to the nicotine, cyanide, and carbon monoxide found in cigarettes, women who smoke experience menopause an average of 1 to 4 years earlier than women who don’t smoke.
• Recreational drugs – While there are limited studies addressing the correlation between recreational drugs and infertility, one study found that cocaine usage can decrease levels of luteinizing hormone, methamphetamine usage can reduce levels of both estradiol and progesterone (two important fertility hormones), and heroin usage can increase the likelihood of amenorrhea—the cessation of your period.
• Excessive alcohol intake – While there’s no evidence to suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption has a negative effect on fertility levels or your reproductive health, one study found that women who binge drink (i.e. women who have four or more drinks within two hours) two or more times a week had lower levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). AMH levels are important for fertility, as they directly correlate to the number of eggs a person has available for fertilization.

#4 Get Reproductive Assistance

If you’re over 35 and haven’t been successful after six months of trying to conceive, you may want to consult with your OB-GYN for fertility treatment and reproductive assistance. If you’re under 35, it’s recommended that you wait at least 12 months before reaching out. You and your OB-GYN can discuss these clinically-proven options for fertility treatment and reproductive assistance:

• Hormone therapy – Depending on the root cause of your fertility issue, different hormone therapy medications present targeted solutions. Most synthesize your body’s naturally occurring hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FHS) to boost egg production and luteinizing hormone to trigger ovulation. Some medications are taken orally in pill form, while others require an injection.
• In vitro fertilization – The most common form of assisted reproductive technology, IVF (or, in vitro fertilization) is a process that involves removing viable eggs from your ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and reinserting them back into your uterus. In the U.S., the chances of successfully becoming pregnant after one round of IVF are as follows:
  • For people under 35 – 55.6%
  • For people between the ages 35 to 37 – 40.8%
  • For people between the ages 38 to 40 – 26.8%
  • For people between the ages 41 to 42 – 12.6%
  • For people 43 and over – 3.9%

While hormone therapy and IVF both require time and money, they could be the key to unlocking your fertility and getting pregnant faster.

#5 Get a Sexual Health Checkup

Before starting your journey to parenthood, a sexual health checkup is a crucial step. It helps ensure your reproductive health is in the best shape possible and addresses any issues that could impact your ability to conceive.

• Check for Infections – Undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea can sometimes lead to fertility problems. A simple checkup can detect and treat these infections, protecting your reproductive health.
• Understand Your Reproductive Health – A visit to your healthcare provider can uncover any underlying conditions, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), that might make it harder to conceive. Early detection means you can take proactive steps.
• Update Your Doctor on Preexisting Conditions – While visiting your doctor, be sure they are up-to-date on any preexisting conditions you may have, as well as any medications you are currently taking. You may also want to discuss any previous pregnancy complications so they can support you during your pregnancy.
• Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations – Your doctor can confirm whether you’re current on key vaccinations, including those that protect you and your baby during pregnancy, like the MMR vaccine.

#6 Monitor Your Physical Health

Taking care of your physical health can make a big difference when you’re trying to conceive. Small, consistent changes to your lifestyle can help improve your fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy.

• Start Taking Folic Acid Now – One of the most important steps is to begin taking a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is essential for healthy fetal development and can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Experts recommend 400-800 micrograms daily, but your doctor may suggest a specific amount based on your needs. The best time to start taking folic acid is before you get pregnant!
• Focus on Balanced Nutrition – Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is key. Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal reproductive health.
• Get Moving with Gentle Exercise – Regular, moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga supports overall health, improves blood flow, and reduces stress—all of which can boost fertility. Just be mindful to avoid overly intense workouts that could interfere with your menstrual cycle.
• Manage Stress Effectively – Stress can affect ovulation and conception. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises to help keep stress in check.

For the Next Step of Your Pregnancy Journey, Choose SneakPeek

Your in-depth knowledge doesn’t have to end at conception. Get to know your little cutie as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy with the help of SneakPeek’s At-Home Early Gender Test—the only at-home Gender Blood Test on the market clinically proven to provide over 99% accurate results²³ this early. With privacy-protected data and a 100% money-back guarantee, it’s no wonder our SneakPeek Test is the #1 OB-GYN recommended at-home fetal sex test, used by over 1 million parents. Get pregnant fast, and then learn your baby’s gender even faster, with SneakPeek.

Editorial Policy

At SneakPeek, our commitment is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to empower our readers. Our content is thoroughly researched, reviewed by medical experts, and fact-checked to ensure its credibility. We prioritize the well-being and education of our readers, and our editorial policy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in all our articles.

This post has been reviewed for accuracy by the following medical professional:

Katie Smith, MSN, APRN, CNM

Katie Smith is a seasoned Certified Nurse Midwife and a nurturing mother to six children, offering a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience. She is the founder of Birth Your Way Midwifery and Women’s Wellness Center in Bay County, Florida. Katie's comprehensive approach to care is informed by her hands-on experience in motherhood and her passion for empowering women through their birthing journey. Her dedication extends beyond her center as she actively engages in community wellness and family health education.

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic. Female Reproductive System. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system#
2. Mayo Clinic. Getting pregnant. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
3. The Reproductive Medicine Group. 10 Ways to Increase Fertility, Naturally. https://www.floridafertility.com/10-ways-increase-fertility-naturally/
4. Your Fertility. Right Time For Sex. https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing
5. National Library of Medicine. The Influence of Diet on Fertility and the Implications for Public Health Nutrition in the United States https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6079277/#
6. National Library of Medicine. Dietary Supplements for Female Infertility: A Critical Review of Their Composition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8541636/
7. The Bump. The Best Fertility Vitamins to Help You and Your Partner Conceive. https://www.thebump.com/a/vitamins-you-need-to-conceive
8. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Smoking and Infertility. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/smoking-and-infertility/
9. Laurel Fertility Care. 10 Foods to Eat to Increase Fertility.  https://www.laurelfertility.com/foods-to-eat-increase-fertility/
10. Mayo Clinic. Female infertility. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/
11. Planned Parenthood. What’s the calendar method of FAMs? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-calendar-method-fams 
12. Healthline. LH Surge: Timing Ovulation for Fertility. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/lh-surge#what-is-lh 
13. National Library of Medicine. Alcohol and fertility: how much is too much? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/
14. National Library of Medicine. Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and female fertility. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7069005/
15. National Library of Medicine. Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving egg quality with dietary omega-3 fatty acids. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624332/
16. Oxford Academic. De Novo-Synthesized Retinoic Acid in Ovarian Antral Follicles Enhances FSH-Mediated Ovarian Follicular Cell Differentiation and Female Fertility. https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/157/5/2160/2422984?login=false
17. Oxford Academic. Pre-pregnancy fast food and fruit intake is associated with time to pregnancy. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/33/6/1063/4989162?login=false 
18. National Library of Medicine. The Impact of Dietary Folate Intake on Reproductive Function in Premenopausal Women: A Prospective Cohort Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3458830/ 
19. National Library of Medicine. Iron intake and risk of ovulatory infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17077236/
20. Science Daily. Eating Ice Cream May Help Women To Conceive, But Low-fat Dairy Foods May Increase Infertility Risk. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070228064902.htm 
21. A Modern Fertility Blog. Getting real about IVF success rates (and the factors that impact them). https://modernfertility.com/blog/ivf-success-rates/ 
22. VeryWellFamily. 7 Things to Know Before Your First Appointment With a Fertility Doctor.  https://www.verywellfamily.com/before-you-see-the-fertility-doctor-2758873 
23. SneakPeek. Scientific publications. https://sneakpeektest.com/about/publications/