Hello I’m 20 yrs old and my partner and I have been trying for a baby over a year now and still nothing. What are we doing wrong?
Our midwife Melissa says:
Probably nothing at all! I am assuming you are not using any contraception and that you are having sex regularly, a few times each week. You would be wise to see a doctor if you do not have regular cycles. A regular cycle means that you can anticipate your period at roughly the same time each month, and is highly suggestive of a fertile cycle.
Some women choose to purchase ovulation prediction kits which help them to choose the best time for conception – this might be something that you can consider.
Otherwise, the important thing to know if that you ovulate (release an egg from your ovary) 14 days before your period starts. If you have a 28-day cycle, this would mean that you ovulate on day 14, however if your cycle is 21 days long, you would ovulate on day 7. Similarly, if your cycles are 35 days long, you would ovulate on day 21. If your cycles are irregular, ovulation would be impossible to predict
Some women choose to consult with a Billings Ovulation Method teacher, who can sit down with you and help you to learn more about your cycles so that you can time intercourse for the time when you are most fertile.
The general principle, however, would be to have sex at least three times per week, in a situation where you are not using any contraception.
If your cycles are irregular, you might like to see a doctor, and given that you have been trying for over a year now, you might like to see a doctor any way. The doctor can run some blood tests to check your hormone levels
Mostly, it is a time issue, whereby the couple are not having sex often enough and at the best times of the month for conception. Once this is rectified, pregnancy occurs. Women are only fertile for about 12-24 hours each month, and capturing this vital time is what can make conception so challenging.
This answer was written for Birth by midwife Melissa Maimann from Essential Birth Consulting.
Last revised: Thursday, 3 January 2013
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.