Trying to get pregnant

• There are many steps you can take to help you get pregnant.
• Most couples who try to get pregnant do so within 1 year.
• Talk to your provider about any questions you may have.

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There are many steps you can take to help you get pregnant. For example:

• Learn how ovulation works and calculate when you're most likely to ovulate.
• Be on the lookout for signs that you're pregnant.
• Learn more about your and your partner's family health history.

Don't worry if you don't get pregnant right away. Most couples who try to get pregnant do so within one year. It may not happen immediately, but chances are it'll happen soon. If you've been trying for more than a year (or six months if you're older than 35), talk to your health care provider. You can get tests to find out why you're having problems getting pregnant. Many couples can overcome these problems without needing fertility treatments.

If you're thinking about fertility treatment to help you get pregnant, talk to your provider about how to get safe treatment while lowering your chance of having multiples (twins, triplets or more). Having multiples can increase the likelihood that you'll have a premature birth. Babies born prematurely can face many serious health complications, some that can last a lifetime.

You might see ads for at-home genetic tests that provide information like if you're a carrier of certain genetic diseases that can be passed on to a child. It's too soon to know if and how these tests can help you during pregnancy. Talk to your health provider if you have questions.