Here are five top tips to consider before embarking on your pregnancy journey
BY CRYOS INTERNATIONAL
Getting pregnant usually requires some extra steps for LGBTQI couples and therefore there are some extra elements to consider when preparing to have a baby. With this being said, it is also important to remember to try and relax, have fun and make the experience your own. Here are five pieces of advice to help you in the preparation of your new life as a family.
Be curious
When embarking on this adventure it is important to be curious and to do your research. Conception truly is a miracle, and the best tool you can give yourself is education so that you are able to be your own advocate in the choices you make. Research covers many things and reading this article is a good start. Another good starting point is to speak with family and friends or someone who is or has been in the exact same situation as you. If you do not know anyone who has gone through the same things as yourself, then you can connect with likeminded people in a closed Facebook Group here.
Make an informed decision about the sperm
One of the biggest considerations you have to make is whether you and your partner will choose to use sperm from a known donor (a family friend) or use frozen sperm from a sperm bank.
From an economic perspective, choosing a known donor is the cheapest, since it is normally free. However, it is really important to have legal documents and agreements in place with a known donor despite them being a close friend. It is also essential that the donor is tested for sexually transmitted infections and genetic diseases prior to the donation.
If you choose to use frozen donor sperm from a sperm bank, the sperm bank takes care of the testing of the donor and the legal aspects. The donors also waive their parental rights to their sperm before becoming a donor in a sperm bank, so you eliminate the risk of legal issues. However, the sperm from a sperm bank is not free of charge. You can learn more about the prices here.
Improve your fertility
There are a lot of things you can do in the lead up to conception. Start by visiting your doctor to get a physical and to discuss your desires of trying to conceive. Getting a clean bill of health is always a good start.
You can also increase your chances of getting pregnant by improving your fertility. As lifestyle plays an important role, staying healthy is key. This means; no smoking, no drinking, eating clean, exercising and keeping your stress at a minimum. Learn more about how to increase your fertility here.
Know your cycle
A menstrual cycle usually lasts between 28-32 days. The more regular your menstrual cycle is, the easier it will be to decipher when you are ovulating. Keep track of your cycle, so that you can pinpoint specifically when you are ovulating. It is a good idea to start using ovulation predictor kits at least three months before trying to conceive. This will give you a better idea as to when you are more fertile. However, it is important to remember that ovulation may occur on a different day each month. Understand the phases of your cycle here.
Have fun and be supportive
The process of trying to conceive is not always easy. It is an emotional rollercoaster and can be quite difficult, especially for the carrying partner. When there is not a positive result it can lead to a feeling of failure and concerns of infertility. Remember to be supportive of each other.
Having fun and keeping positive is also very important. You can make small rituals as a part of the preparing process or make an extra effort concerning romance. Also, remember not to focus only on getting pregnant but remember to enjoy life and the people around you. Try to do all of the things you want to before your next big adventure: parenthood.
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