How to get pregnant fast: 9 tips for quick conception (photos)

by Polly Logan-Banks | April 2021 |

Trying to get pregnant? Some simple lifestyle changes may help to boost your fertility as a couple. Check out these top tips.

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Step one: quit smoking

Smoking is known to reduce fertility in men and women. It's also dangerous for your baby if you're still smoking when you conceive.

If you haven't kicked the habit yet, why not help each other to give up using our quitting hints and tips?
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Step two: exercise together

Getting fit is a great way to boost your fertility. If you're not used to exercising, start by building more movement into your day. For example, you could try getting off the bus a stop earlier, or taking the stairs instead of the lift. You may also enjoy going to a dance class together, or taking up running.

Don't overdo it, though. Women who exercise strenuously (such as professional athletes) sometimes find that it interferes with their menstrual cycle, which can be bad for fertility. If your periods are irregular, or you have no periods at all, try cutting back to a more moderate exercise regime.
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Step three: eat healthily

Food and fertility are linked. If you both stick to a healthy, balanced diet, you may be able to boost your chances of conceiving. Find out the best foods to eat for men and women who are trying for a baby.
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Step four: relax

Trying to conceive can be stressful. A bit of occasional stress is perfectly normal, and shouldn't affect your chances. However, prolonged or severe stress may make it more difficult to conceive for both men and women, so try to take it easy when you can.

Give each other a soothing massage, try some deep breathing exercises, or just enjoy a fun meal out. Whatever helps you feel calm and relaxed.
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Step five: cut out booze

Alcohol can harm your baby if you drink after you conceive, especially in the early weeks before you realise that you're pregnant. Heavy drinking can also reduce fertility in men. So it's best if both you and your partner avoid alcohol as soon as you start planning to have a baby.

Try these tasty mocktails instead.
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Step six: keep 'em cool!

When testicles get too hot, the sperm they produce suffers. Sitting for long periods, using laptops on laps, and working in hot environments can all affect sperm production. It's even been suggested that tight underwear contributes to fertility issues, though there isn't much evidence for this.

If you're hoping to be a dad, putting your laptop on a table and wearing loose-fitting boxers could make a difference.
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Step seven: get away together

A holiday or even a long-weekend getaway can be just what you need to relieve stress and enjoy some relaxing time together. In fact, some parents swear that their "conceptionmoon" or "procreation vacation" was the key to getting pregnant.
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Step eight: take your foot off the gas

For some couples, trying to conceive can turn sex into more of a chore than a pleasure. If this sounds familiar, forget fertile windows for a while, and try to rekindle a date atmosphere with your partner. Who knows where a night in front of the telly might lead?
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Step nine: have regular, but not regimented, sex
As we all know, having sex is the most important thing! Although it can sometimes help to know when you're ovulating, just having sex every two days to three days throughout the month will give you the best chance of conceiving.

More baby-making tips:
- Learn how much folic acid you need to take while trying.
- Is your body ready for pregnancy? Take our quiz and find out!
- Find out how long it takes most couples to conceive.

Polly Logan-Banks

Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.