Questions about conception from dads-to-be
My partner is obsessed with getting pregnant. She gets more upset each month. Is this normal?
Yes! Most women want to conceive quickly once the decision has been made. The waiting is often the hardest part. Each month, they have to wait to find out whether or not they're pregnant. This means that when their period does come, they can be desperately disappointed.
Find out how long it takes to get pregnant.
Talk to your partner about when her next period is due so that you can be there, to commiserate or hopefully to celebrate with her. Also try to spend quality time together doing nice things other than having sex.
My partner insists on using ovulation kits. When she thinks it’s the ‘right time’ we’re supposed to get on with it, but I don’t perform to order.
This is a perfectly normal way to feel. Ovulation predictor kits can be helpful, but can also make it harder for both of you as the whole thing can get too clinical. Talk to your partner about how you are feeling.
Remember that it is preferable to have frequent sex throughout the menstrual cycle, not just on the few days when an ovulation test is positive. If a man does not ejaculate for longer than three or four days, the quality of the sperm stored in the man's tubes deteriorates.
We have been trying for nearly a year and we're still not pregnant. Is it my fault?
First of all, it is not a good idea to start feeling guilty. Stress can hinder conception. If you're worried about your fertility you should go and see your doctor together, or separately if you prefer. You can discuss your general health and get some advice.
Find out more about when to see a doctor about fertility.
In the meantime, try to cut down on alcohol, wear loose fitting underwear and, if you are in a job where you sit for long periods of time, aim to stand up regularly. All these simple measures can increase your sperm count, although they can take a few months to kick in.
Read more about male fertility,
Can working with pesticides affect my fertility?
Some types of work do carry health risks and can make a difference to a man's sperm. You will need to get the facts about the specific products that you are using. The best way is to contact the manufacturer directly, or if you are employed, ask your company’s health and safety officer.
- Macdonald S, Magill-Cuerden J, Mayes’ midwifery, fourteenth edition, Edinburgh Bailliere Tindall Elsevier, 2012
- Marshburn PB et al, A short period of ejaculatory abstinence before intrauterine insemination is associated with higher pregnancy rates, Fertility and Sterility 2010; 93(1): 286–88
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Fertility: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems, clinical guideline 156, London NICE, 2013
- Roeleveld N, Bretveld R, The impact of pesticides on male fertility, Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008; 20(3): 229–33
Read more about getting pregnant
-
Lucy’s road to becoming a mum and managing bipolar disorder
Lucy, first time mum to baby Felicity, tells her story of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly before becoming pregnant during lockdown last year. -
Parents' health before pregnancy affects future pregnancy and baby
Research shows that the health of mothers and fathers BEFORE pregnancy affects the health of the future pregnancy and baby. -
Health conditions and planning a pregnancy
Read about planning a pregnancy with Hepatitus B, HIV, chronic hypertension, congenital heart disease, asthma, cancer, crohn's disease and fibroids. -
First research to show that a post-pandemic “baby boom” is unlikely in the UK
New research shows that a post-covid 'baby boom' is unlikely in the UK, with many people changing their planning for pregnancy plans because of the pandemic. -
I just knew that there were no guarantees for us when trying to conceive
Amanda, 26, had irregular periods and she knew getting pregnant would be a challenge. She and her husband decided to become healthier when they were planning to have a baby. They now have a daughter called Shelbie. -
Planning a pregnancy when you have a severe mental health illness
This information is for you if you are a woman who has or had a severe mental illness and if you are planning to have a baby within the next 5 years. -
Getting pregnant
Getting pregnant
-
The accessible pregnancy test for people who experience sight loss
The accessible pregnancy test prototype that allows those who are blind and partially sighted to discover the result for themselves. -
Geri Horner is pregnant at 44 and glowing!
Last week the 44 year-old former Spice Girl revealed that she's expecting a child with her husband Christian Horner. Our midwife Nikki explains that while it's more difficult, many women still conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies over 40. -
Are you ready to conceive?
Are you ready to conceive?
-
MHRA reviews risk of epilepsy medications during pregnancy
Following a review by the MHRA, women with epilepsy should discuss their treatment with a healthcare professional if they might become pregnant in the future. -
‘Media glamourises pregnancy at advanced ages,’ study suggests
Researchers say women are being misled into thinking pregnancy is more straightforward past the age of 35 than it is in reality.