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Many couples panic when they have not conceived within the first few months of trying. They may think that all it takes is having unprotected sex as often as possible. While this may work for some, other couples may need other strategies to conceive. The best way to get pregnant is for a woman to maintain good health, know her cycles, and know when and how to have sex.

A woman should start preparing her body for pregnancy about three months before trying to conceive. Getting off hormonal birth control is the first step, as it often takes time for menstrual cycles to return to normal. She should also start taking a prenatal vitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects in babies. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and caffeine should be eliminated. A balanced diet and regular exercise routine are also helpful in preparing the body to conceive.

Knowing when ovulation occurs is paramount to conception. A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days with ovulation occurring on the 14th day, but some women have longer or shorter cycles and could miss ovulation entirely if they are aiming for day 14. Pinpointing ovulation can be done in retrospect, so it helps to document one’s cycles for a few months and look for patterns. If cycles are regular, no matter how long, a woman need only count backward 14 days from the start of her period to see what day of the cycle her ovulation should fall on. For example, in a 26-day cycle, ovulation would most likely occur around day 12 (26 minus 14). Another way of predicting ovulation is by checking cervical mucus, which changes throughout the month. Mucus can often be seen on toilet tissue when wiping. When it is slippery and has the consistency of raw egg white, usually in the three to four days before ovulation, a woman is most fertile.

Sperm can live in fertile mucus for up to five days, so it is essential to have intercourse not just on the day of ovulation, but in the days leading up to it. Intercourse every other day during the fertile period should suffice, as taking a day off allows the sperm supply to replenish. Lubricants should be avoided, as they inhibit the movement of sperm. Positioning is also very important. Sperm have an easier time getting to their destination if gravity is allowed to work in a couple’s favor. Thus, the missionary position is a good bet for conception, and the woman can also prop her hips up on a pillow for a half hour after sex to give the sperm some assistance on their journey to the egg.

The best way to get pregnant is to have an intimate knowledge of how one’s own body works and, most importantly, relax. All things being equal, these simple guidelines should work in 80 percent of couples within a year. Those who have not conceived after a year are advised to consult a physician.