Because getting pregnant isn’t always as easy as they made it seem in high school.
The Reality of Trying to Get Pregnant
Let’s be honest—when we were younger, it felt like even thinking about unprotected sex would get you pregnant. Fast forward to actually trying, and suddenly, it’s all about tracking cycles, ovulation tests, and learning more about cervical mucus than you ever wanted to know.
If you’re currently in the TTC (Trying to Conceive) phase, or even just starting to think about it, here are 10 things I wish I knew before I started this journey.
1️⃣ Getting Pregnant is NOT Always Easy (Even If You're Healthy)
We grow up believing that pregnancy happens immediately—but reality check: the average healthy couple takes 6-12 months to conceive.
❌ Just because you’re doing “everything right” doesn’t mean it will happen instantly.
✅ Your body might need time, and that’s normal.
💡 Tip: If you’re under 35 and have been trying for a year (or over 35 and trying for 6 months), talk to a doctor about fertility testing.
2️⃣ Your Cycle is More Than Just Your Period
If you haven’t been tracking your cycle before TTC, now is the time to start. Understanding ovulation, fertile windows, and luteal phases is KEY to getting pregnant faster.
✔ Your best chance to conceive? The 5 days leading up to ovulation + ovulation day itself.
✔ Apps like Flo, Clue, Ovia, or Premom can help track ovulation, but don’t rely just on apps—use OPKs (ovulation predictor kits) and track cervical mucus.
3️⃣ Ovulation is NOT Always on Day 14
The whole “you ovulate on Day 14” rule is based on a textbook 28-day cycle—but newsflash: most women don’t have textbook cycles.
✔ Your ovulation might be earlier or later—only tracking can confirm it!
✔ Signs of ovulation: Egg-white cervical mucus, LH surge (positive OPK test), slight temp rise if charting BBT.
4️⃣ Sperm Health Matters, Too!
It’s not just about the woman—male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40-50% of infertility cases.
✔ Encourage your partner to take a fertility-friendly supplement (like CoQ10 + Zinc).
✔ Reduce heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs, tight underwear = 🔥 bad for sperm).
✔ Keep up with exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet.
5️⃣ Stress Can Affect Your Cycle (But It Won’t Stop You from Getting Pregnant)
We’ve all heard the “just relax and it will happen” advice—🙄 which is NOT helpful. But, chronic stress can impact ovulation timing and hormone balance.
💡 Instead of stressing about “not stressing,” focus on:
✔ Gentle movement (yoga, walking).
✔ Meditation or breathwork.
✔ Journaling or talking about your emotions (TTC can be HARD).
6️⃣ Your Diet Can Support Fertility (Or Work Against It)
You don’t need a perfect diet to conceive, but what you eat can impact egg quality and hormone balance.
✔ Best Fertility Foods: Leafy greens, healthy fats (avocado, nuts, salmon), lean proteins, and whole grains.
❌ Avoid too much: Processed sugar, trans fats, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.
7️⃣ Your Luteal Phase Matters (And Could Be Why You’re Not Conceiving)
A short luteal phase (less than 10 days) can make implantation difficult, meaning even if sperm meets egg, it might not stick.
✔ Progesterone is key for maintaining early pregnancy—low levels can cause implantation issues or early miscarriages.
✔ If your luteal phase is short, talk to your doctor about progesterone support.
8️⃣ Supplements Can Help (But They’re Not Magic Pills)
✔ Prenatal vitamin with folate (not folic acid!)
✔ Vitamin D (many women are deficient!)
✔ CoQ10 for egg health
✔ Omega-3s for hormone balance
9️⃣ There’s No “Perfect” TTC Plan—Find What Works for YOU
Some women swear by “fertility diets”, others use TTC affirmations, some track everything, and some just let things happen. The truth?
💡 There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to TTC.
The key is to find what works for your body and your mental health.
🔟 TTC Can Be Emotional—And That’s Okay
Trying for a baby is exciting, but it can also be frustrating, exhausting, and emotionally draining.
✔ One negative test? Disappointing.
✔ Months of negative tests? Heartbreaking.
✔ Seeing others get pregnant easily? Tough.
💡 You are NOT alone in this journey. Give yourself grace, be kind to yourself, and reach out for support when you need it.
Final Thoughts: TTC is a Journey, Not a Race
If I could go back and tell myself one thing before TTC, it would be this:
✨ Trust the process. Take care of your body. Be kind to your mind. ✨
And most importantly—you are NOT alone.
📌 Want a step-by-step fertility guide? Comment "TTC" below, and I’ll send you my 5-Step Plan to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy!