We imagine that as soon as we are ready to have a child, we will become pregnant. Very often, however, the reality is quite different and the desire for a child then turns into a long wait.
Average time to become pregnant
You only have to do a quick search on the Internet to see the impressive number of women who thought they would get pregnant quickly and who are so disappointed with the time that passes without them getting there. This bittersweet surprise is very often linked to a misunderstanding of pregnancy and how their bodies work.
A he althy woman, who has no known fertility problem, and who is under 35 years old can try to get pregnant for up to a year without this period being considered abnormal or that it means there is a problem. But why is it so difficult for some to become a mother and what can they do to help nature?
Why can't I get pregnant?
The factors that influence our fertility are multiple, ranging from lifestyle, to physical and emotional he alth, to ignorance of how the body works.reproductive system. This is why it is important to be well informed about everything surrounding pregnancy before even trying to become pregnant in order to be well prepared and especially to understand what is going on with your body.
Common causes that can influence a woman's fertility
- Contraception: Women who have used hormonal contraceptives for several years should expect an adjustment period after stopping their contraception. For example, women who receive hormone injections must wait between 6 and 9 months after their last injection before trying to become pregnant. Hormonal changes affect fertility and influence how long it can take to conceive.
- The reproductive system: Couples wishing to have a child should learn about the functioning of the reproductive system, especially the ovulatory cycle. Research has shown that one in two couples try to conceive at the wrong time of the month. Moreover, some couples mistakenly think that a greater frequency of sexual intercourse increases their chances of fertilization, when it is rather the opposite that happens: too much sexual intercourse can reduce the number of spermatozoa and thus reduce the chances of design.
- Age: Female fertility is at its peak during puberty and gradually declines with age. After 35 years, this decline is more rapid and the quality ofova is less. As couples choose to wait longer and longer to start their family, it seems that this factor of reduced fertility is often to blame.
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Lifestyle: It is always important to be he althy, but it is even more so if you want to become a mother. Your reproductive organs need a he althy lifestyle to be he althy and to function properly. This involves having a he althy diet, maintaining a he althy weight, having good sleep habits, exercising regularly and having good stress management. Of course, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, these bad habits unfortunately affect your fertility.
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Ovulation: According to studies, between 33% and 50% of women who have fertility problems actually experience ovulatory problems. A woman's ovarian cycle is complex: hormones are often unpredictable and can be disturbed by very little, directly affecting fertility. Such trivial factors as weight gain or loss, stress or mild illness can influence the hormonal cycle. Many women also have an irregular ovulatory cycle all their life or because of polycystic ovary syndrome which reduces their chances of becoming pregnant.
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Physical problem: The occlusion of the fallopian tubes which preventssperm from reaching the egg, endometriosis or uterine fibroids can prevent pregnancy. To diagnose a physical problem and receive the appropriate treatment, you must consult a doctor who can give you tests and direct you to the appropriate resources.
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Our emotional state: Surely you've heard stories of women who were desperate to get pregnant and finally got pregnant the moment they let go? While it's hard not being able to control what's going on with your body, it's important not to obsess over pregnancy. It is a source of major stress that may directly influence your cycle.
- Unexplained infertility: In rare cases, despite medical examinations revealing no fertility problems, the woman is unable to become pregnant. It is very frustrating to live for couples who no longer know what to do to increase their chances of becoming parents. Only a third of these couples will live a pregnancy without medical intervention before a period of 3 years. Other couples will have to resort to assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Emotions
You dreamed of an idyllic pregnancy and now all you're obsessed with is becoming pregnant and finally having a child. This mindset can take you through a rangeemotions such as shame, guilt, anger and sadness. If women around you are pregnant, you may also feel a touch of jealousy in front of these beautiful round bellies, while yours remains inexplicably empty. It is normal to feel this way, and you have to face it and accept it since it is these emotions that haunt you that will give you the motivation to find a solution and achieve your dream.
Avoid unrealistic expectations, learn about the different ways you could help nature take its course, and try to let go. If you have explored all the options and you are still unable to become pregnant, you can consult your doctor who will be able to give you advice adapted to your situation, to reassure you and to prescribe an appropriate treatment if this happens. is required in your situation. The important thing is not to despair and on the contrary to keep hope and act accordingly.
To help you prepare for a possible pregnancy, we invite you to read our articles Planning a pregnancy in three stages and To prepare your pregnancy. And remember that life is good and can always surprise you when you least expect it!
