We get it… there is so much advice out there when you’re trying to conceive that it can all be a little overwhelming.

Sometimes you just want to keep things simple, so we’ve tried to keep it to the point and list what we think are the top 10 tips for when you’re trying to get pregnant. Have a read of one of our more detailed articles if you’d like further information on some of the topics mentioned.

So here we go with our top 10 tips:

1. Track your menstrual cycle

A woman who wants to have a baby should track whether her period comes regularly at the same frequency every month.  Or whether her periods may be irregular, meaning her cycle lengths vary from month to month. By tracking this information on a calendar, a woman can better predict when she might be ovulating.

2. Monitor ovulation

Women with regular cycles ovulate about two weeks before their next period. It's harder to predict ovulation in women with irregular cycles, but it usually occurs 12 to 16 days before the start of her next period. Using OPKs or basal temperature tracking can help pinpoint ovulation.

3. Have sex during your fertile window 

The "fertile window" spans a six-day interval, the five days prior to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. These are the days each month when a woman is most fertile. Having sex during these days increases chances of conception.

4. Take a prenatal vitamin

Start taking a prenatal vitamin when trying to conceive. It’s recommended to take 400mcg of folic acid for at least one month before getting pregnant to help prevent defects to baby’s brain and spine, and continuing with it during pregnancy.

5. Maintain a healthy body weight

Both being overweight or underweight can affect a woman’s chances of conceiving. Maintaining a healthy BMI may give you a better chance of conceiving.

6. Exercise regularly 

Engaging in regular exercise keeps you fit, helps with stress, and can help a woman's body prepare for the demands of pregnancy and labor. But be careful not to overdo it, as too much exercise or strenuous workouts can interfere with ovulation.

7. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a variety of healthy foods can help prepare a woman's body for pregnancy. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, dairy and healthy sources of fat, that provide you with critical nutrients such as calcium, protein and iron. And don't forget your supplements.

8. Stop smoking, reduce alcohol and caffeine

Smoking ages a woman's ovaries and depletes her supply of eggs prematurely. Completely cutting out smoking can help with trying to conceive. Drinking moderate or heavy levels of alcohol can also make it more difficult to get pregnant. So reduce drinking to a couple of drinks per week. Once pregnant, there is no safe level of alcohol.  Large amounts of caffeine have been linked to decreased fertility. In general having 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day are considered ok (less than 250 mg of caffeine per day). 

9. Inform yourself about age and fertility

As women get older the quantity and quality of her eggs declines. There's a gradual decline in fertility for women beginning in their 30s. There is a steeper decline after the age of 35 and an even sharper decline after age 40. Inform yourself about how age can affect your fertility so that you have the information you need upfront.

10. Talk to your doctor

Consider having an evaluation with your doctor if you are under 35 and have not become pregnant within 1 year, or are over 35 and have not conceived within 6 months. Having a checkup and talking to your doctor early can help you to identify any possible fertility issues.