What can you do to help yourself?

A selection of basic guidelines, designed to give you information on what you can do naturally to improve your chances.

Most of these are common sense.  Have a look through and do what feels best for you in your circumstances.  Everyone is different - remember that nobody will totally understand how you feel and what you are going through.  Talk to those who know you best.

Folic Acid – start taking it the moment you decide to start trying for a baby - very important for the development of a healthy foetus as it can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects eg. spina bifida.

Stop smoking - Click here for the link to our local quitline.

Reduce/stop alcohol - There is no conclusive proof about the effect that alcohol has on a pregnancy, so play safe and cut it out all together.

Get fit – lose weight – The physically fitter you are, the better your body will be able to cope with all the punches that IVF can throw at you. 

Ovulation Prediction - Ovulation Prediction Kits are available and help by detecting a hormone surge (in your urine) just before ovulation occurs.  However, use with care.  By the time the window of opportunity occurs in the kit - you may have missed your chance.  Don't get us wrong, these kits do work for some.

Basal Body Temperature Monitoring - a pregnancy planning technique that uses waking body temperature and cervical fluid assesment to pinpoint the optimum fertile times during your cycle.  Having intercourse during these peak days can enhance your chances of pregnancy.

Be fully informed and get prepared (mentally, physically and financially) - this is important at whatever level you are with attempting parenthood.

Talk to people who have experienced assisted conceptions treatments before.

Be aware of the potential implications on your relationship and talk to your partner/family/friends and build up a support network.

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