How to Get Pregnant Guide

Timing is always important when couples are trying to get pregnant. This is because the conditions have to be right for the sperm and egg to meet up for fertilization. In this pregnancy guide, we will look at how the menstrual cycle could give clues about the most fertile period, as well as how to calculate it using various methods and products.

Knowing Your Most Fertile Period

1. Charting Your Menstrual Cycle

When you make the decision to have a baby, you should learn the days or period when you are most fertile. For example, if you have a twenty-eight day menstrual cycle, you will have around six days monthly during which you can get pregnant. The six days would encompass the day when an egg is released from one of your ovaries, called ovulation, and the five days before.

To figure this out, you can start to chart your menstrual cycle and record how long it lasts each month. Day 1 will be the first day of your monthly period. It is a good idea to monitor this for a few months because your cycle length could slightly vary each month.

Once you have this information, you can take away eighteen days from the length of the shortest menstrual cycle to get the first day when you are likely to be fertile. After that, take eleven days from the length of the longest cycle to get the last day when you are likely to be fertile.

Your best chance of getting pregnant is to have sexual intercourse between these two dates.

2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

This is the temperature that you have first thing in the morning.

It will increase slightly right after ovulation, by less than one degree at times, and remain higher until the start of your period. If you are recording your temperature daily, then you could identify the subtle changes to know when an egg is released from one of your ovaries.

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To take your BBT, you would use a basal body thermometer. These are more sensitive than regular ones, and they can show the changes in temperature really well.

You should take your BBT each morning at the same time and always before getting out of bed. A good idea would be to keep the thermometer on the nightstand. Bear in mind that your body temperature could be affected if you get up to go to the bathroom or if you are drinking, smoking, or sleeping badly at night.

Another thing to know is that you cannot tell the exact time when you are ovulating from your BBT, and it might take a few months before a pattern can be seen.

You are more likely to conceive two or three days before an egg is released from your ovaries, and then another twelve to twenty-four hours after. You don’t have a chance of conceiving if your temperature spikes for three days.

3. Ovulation Kits

It is recommended to pay attention to signs which show when your body is set for ovulation. There are ovulation kits available that can help to identify when you have your fertile window.

Experts recommend that these will not increase your chances of getting pregnant, so it is best to have regular sex during your ovulation cycle to maximize your chances.

There are different ways that you can calculate your fertile window, such as recording your menstrual cycle, charting the monthly cycles of your BBT or basal body temperature, or studying the cervical mucus for changes.

However, it could be a bit difficult for you to use those methods to pinpoint ovulation, especially if you have irregular menstrual cycles. This is where the ovulation predictor kits will come in handy.

An OPK will offer an easy and quick way for you to predict ovulation cycles in advance. This will ensure that you are having sex during your fertile window from the first month.

You can buy these kits without a prescription at most pharmacies and supermarkets, generally in the same section where you will find pregnancy tests and various other family planning products. You could buy them online as well.

There are many reasons why you might try to predict your fertile period. It could be that:

You, or you and your partner, work frequently away from home and it would make a big difference if sex was scheduled during your fertile period.

Hectic schedules and taking caring of other children means less priority is placed on sex.

An irregular cycle makes it more difficult for you to conceive. It could be ideal for you to engage in sexual intercourse every few days during your cycle, but the situation can become very stressful if you don’t conceive after a few months.

Diet, Vitamins, and Fertility Supplements

When you are pregnant, a healthy and varied diet will help you to satisfy most of your vitamin and mineral requirements. Even though there are certain vitamins and minerals which are extremely important, it is always best to get them from the food you consume.

If you are trying to conceive, you have probably heard a lot about fertility and nutrition. To optimize your fertility through nutrition, you can:

Eat plenty of vegetables, especially the green leafy varieties such as spinach, lettuce, broccoli, collard, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, chard, Brussels sprouts, and so on.

Add more healthy fats to your diet, especially the ones from sources such as olive oil and olives, coconuts and coconut oil, butter, eggs, grass-fed meats, nuts, and avocado.

Remove processed foods, grains, starches, and sugars from your diet. The necessary carbohydrates can come from certain fruits, vegetables, and starchy items like squash and sweet potatoes.

Get sufficient protein from nuts, eggs, and grass-fed meats.

Avoid the processed dairy items from your diet. If you have to consume dairy, it could come from organic sources such as heavy cream, ghee, and butter.

Drink plenty of water. Four quarts is recommended daily for most women.

When dietary factors are optimized with the methods above, your body can become more sensitive to insulin. This will help with the production of various other hormones and the proper functioning of the body.

If you want to take supplements for fertility, you should know that some nutrients are important and others might or might not be helpful. The fertility supplements on the market are focused mainly on helping women in two distinct groups: the ones who want to know how to boost fertility and the ones who want to know how to improve their chances of conceiving.

These are some of the suggested fertility supplements:

FERTILIFY Supplements

We have a comprehensive separate comparison for this topic. Find our top picks for fertility supplements here.

Best Books for Fertility and Conception

If you’re on a journey to conceive or simply want to understand your reproductive health better, choosing the right resources can make all the difference. Understanding fertility deeply empowers you to take control of your body, health, and future family planning. The books we’ve selected provide practical advice, scientific insights, emotional support, and lifestyle guidance that can benefit you whether you’re just starting to try or have faced challenges along the way.

By exploring these carefully curated titles, you’ll gain valuable knowledge that can improve your chances of conception and help you feel more confident throughout the process.

Top Picks

How We Selected These Books

We focused on books that provide evidence-based information, clear guidance, and support for different aspects of fertility, from nutrition and egg quality to mind-body wellness and natural fertility tracking. We prioritized titles highly rated by readers and experts in the fertility community that empower you with actionable steps, emotional encouragement, and credible research. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive science, practical programs, or gentle holistic approaches, these books cover those needs with proven value.

🏆 Most Comprehensive

This book dives deep into how what you eat and how you take care of yourself can impact your fertility in a big way. It’s packed with science-backed advice but written in a way you can actually understand, making it perfect whether you’re just starting to think about pregnancy or already on your journey.

Beyond food, it covers everything from cycle tracking to stress management, giving you a practical and holistic roadmap to feel more in control of your body. If you want a thorough, reliable companion to help you optimize your chances naturally, this one’s a solid pick.

What People Say

Most people appreciate how well-researched and approachable this book is, highlighting its mix of solid science with practical tips you can use daily. Readers often mention how it helps them understand their menstrual cycles and make smarter food choices that feel doable—not overwhelming. The fact that it covers both female and male fertility is a big plus, making it useful for couples trying together.

What You’ll Learn

Real Food Fertility is more than just a diet book—it’s a comprehensive guide that educates you about how your body works and the role nutrition plays in fertility, hormonal health, and pregnancy preparation. It helps you make informed decisions with confidence and offers insight into topics often overlooked like toxin exposure, birth control impacts, and testing for fertility-related conditions.

Why You’ll Like It

• Cuts through the noise with evidence-based nutrition advice tailored for fertility
• Offers actionable tips for supporting egg and sperm quality
• Includes guidance on fertility awareness and lifestyle factors like stress
• Supports hormone balance with a focus on real food, not fad diets

Current Price: $34.95

Rating: 4.8 (total: 599+)

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💰 Best Value

If you’re looking for a book that really breaks down your fertility in a way that makes sense and feels doable, this is it. Toni Weschler’s guide has helped so many women get to know their bodies better, whether they want to avoid pregnancy or conceive. It goes beyond just basic tips, offering clear tools like charting systems and lots of real-world advice that fits into your daily life.

This updated edition includes fresh insights on hormone health, common conditions, and the latest on fertility treatments, making it a practical resource you’ll turn back to again and again.

What People Say

Readers often rave about how this book feels like a personal coach, explaining fertility in a friendly and straightforward way. Many appreciate the clear charts and useful illustrations that help you really grasp your cycle signs. Users consistently highlight how it not only guides pregnancy efforts but also improves overall body awareness, making them feel more in control without confusing jargon.

What You’ll Discover

This book serves as a comprehensive education on how to listen to your body’s signals and chart your fertility with confidence. It covers everything from cycle basics to hormone balance, plus answers questions about tricky conditions.

You’ll walk away with a solid foundation to make informed choices about your reproductive health.

Why You’ll Love It

• Teaches you to track your cycle effectively with easy-to-follow methods
• Helps maximize your chances of pregnancy naturally before turning to high-tech options
• Empowers you to understand and address common reproductive health issues
• Updated with the latest science and personalized chart examples

Current Price: $13.00

Rating: 4.8 (total: 5959+)

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🎯 Best For Egg Quality

You’ll find everything you need to understand and improve your egg quality in this book. Rebecca Fett dives into the science without making it feel overwhelming, explaining how lifestyle, supplements, and medical options can make a real difference.

Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or have been at it for a while, this book offers practical tips you can apply day to day alongside deeper info on IVF and testing. It’s the kind of read that’s both empowering and reassuring, helping you feel like you’re taking control over a tricky part of the process.

What People Say

People often mention how easy this book is to follow even with detailed scientific info, appreciating the way it cuts through the noise of fertility advice out there. Many have found the specific tips on supplements and environmental changes helpful, and they praise how it supports both natural conception and IVF planning.

The focus on egg quality tends to resonate with readers looking for actionable ways to influence something that often feels out of their hands.

What You’ll Learn

This book breaks down the science behind egg health, fertility challenges like miscarriage, and how different factors impact your chances of pregnancy. It gives you a solid grounding in topics like testing, nutrition, and emerging fertility treatments, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why You’ll Appreciate It

• Offers clear, science-backed advice on boosting egg health
• Breaks down complex fertility topics into understandable sections
• Includes lifestyle tweaks, supplements, and treatment options explained
• Updated with fresh info on immune system effects and male fertility

Current Price: $23.56

Rating: 4.7 (total: 7400+)

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⭐ Best For Holistic Wellness

This book feels like a gentle companion for anyone wanting to dive deeper into fertility. It’s not just about the biology but also about nourishing yourself emotionally and spiritually on this journey.

Along with practical tips, it offers tasty recipes that help you care for your body every day, making it a lovely resource whether you’re just starting to think about pregnancy or already preparing for it. If you want something that supports your whole wellbeing, this one fits the bill nicely.

What People Say

Many readers appreciate how the book offers warmth and encouragement alongside practical fertility insights. The recipes get a lot of love for being both nourishing and approachable, and people often mention the calming, holistic tone that helps reduce stress around fertility.

A lot of folks value it as a mindful guide that respects the ups and downs of this process.

What You’ll Discover

You’ll get more than just fertility facts here — the book teaches you to listen to your body and mind, and make choices that support your overall health and readiness for pregnancy. It blends cultural wisdom with modern wellness, helping you build a balanced foundation for conception.

What Makes It Special

• Combines fertility advice with mindfulness and self-care practices
• Includes nearly 50 nourishing recipes tailored to support fertility
• Focuses on emotional and spiritual preparation, not just physical
• Written for women at every stage of their preconception journey

Current Price: $21.27

Rating: 4.7 (total: 434+)

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🚀 Best For Mind-Body Connection

Fertile Ground offers a refreshing perspective if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed trying to get pregnant. Instead of just focusing on numbers and tests, it gently guides you to connect with your body and emotions in a way that can actually improve your chances.

Whether you’re deep into fertility treatments or just starting to think about it, this book helps you slow down, reduce stress, and shift your mindset to embrace the whole experience. It’s like having a supportive friend who truly understands the ups and downs and helps you create space for peace and hope.

What People Say

Readers often share how this book feels like a deep breath of fresh air—a kinder, gentler way through the often stressful path of trying to conceive. People highlight how relatable the author’s story is and appreciate the practical yet compassionate advice that really helps them shift their mindset. Many say it’s less about rigid rules and more about understanding yourself, which brings unexpected calm and confidence.

What You’ll Gain

You’ll learn that fertility isn’t just about biology; it’s about how your emotions, stress, and mindset all play a part. The book breaks down research into simple, usable ideas while sharing inspiring stories that show how embracing self-compassion and presence can open the door to new possibilities.

Why You’ll Love It

• Focuses on the crucial link between your mental and physical fertility health
• Offers actionable strategies to ease stress and nurture emotional wellbeing
• Written by someone who has personally navigated a long fertility journey
• Includes tools to help you accept uncertainty and find joy during TTC

Current Price: $6.99

Rating: 4.7 (total: 59+)

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🔰 Best For Step-By-Step Program

Making Babies is like your trusted guide that walks you through a thoughtful 3-month plan to maximize fertility without relying heavily on harsh medical treatments. It takes the best of both worlds—modern science and traditional techniques—helping you figure out your unique fertility type and how simple lifestyle tweaks can make a real difference.

Whether you’re aiming to conceive naturally or alongside medical support, this book breaks things down clearly and cheerfully so you can feel confident about the process, and more in tune with your body.

What People Say

People often mention how this book gives them hope by offering a balanced, realistic approach to getting pregnant that isn’t just about jumping straight to medical interventions. Reviewers appreciate the detailed explanations and helpful lifestyle advice that actually feels doable. Many highlight how the mix of Eastern and Western wisdom makes the book stand out, and how the simple, customized plan helped them get a fresh perspective and take control of their journey.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll walk away understanding the science of fertility alongside holistic views, learning what your body might need based on your specific fertility profile. The book breaks down complicated topics like hormones and cycle tracking in a friendly way while also suggesting effective, research-backed alternatives like acupuncture that you might not have considered before.

Why This Book Could Help You

• Clear step-by-step program tailored to your fertility type
• Combines Western medicine with holistic Eastern methods
• Focuses on natural lifestyle changes before aggressive treatments
• Includes practical tips on diet, stress, and timing
• Written by experienced fertility experts who understand the emotional side

Current Price: $14.69

Rating: 4.5 (total: 767+)

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FAQ

How do I choose the best fertility book for my needs?

Choosing the right book depends on where you are in your fertility journey and what kind of support you want. If you’re looking for comprehensive, science-based nutrition advice that can help with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, a book like Real Food for Fertility is invaluable.

For learning how to naturally track your cycle and understand your body, Taking Charge of Your Fertility offers practical, detailed methods. If you want a gentle, mindful approach to manage stress and emotions around trying to conceive, Fertile Ground provides a compassionate mind-body perspective.

Consider also your budget and whether you prefer an in-depth resource or a more lifestyle-focused book. Reading reviews and previews can help make sure the tone and content fit what you need.

What should I expect to learn and how can I practically apply these books?

These books will teach you key concepts such as how your menstrual cycle works, how to identify your fertile window using signs like cervical mucus and basal body temperature, and how nutrition and lifestyle impact fertility. You’ll find actionable tips on diet changes, supplement guidance, stress reduction techniques, and practical tracking methods.

For example, you might start by keeping a daily fertility chart, adjusting your meals to include fertility-supportive foods, or incorporating gentle self-care practices to reduce anxiety. Many books also include recipes or plans to simplify these changes. The best approach is to pick a few recommendations that resonate with you and gradually implement them, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.

Are these fertility books suitable if I have specific health conditions or am not ready for medical treatments like IVF?

Absolutely. Many of these books address common health hurdles such as PCOS, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances with natural strategies you can try before or alongside medical treatment.

For instance, Real Food for Fertility offers evidence-backed nutrition plans tailored to conditions affecting reproductive health. Books like Making Babies provide customized 3-month programs to prepare your body holistically. They empower you to understand your fertility and take control through lifestyle changes, cycle tracking, and emotional support.

Even if you’re not planning to pursue IVF or other interventions now, these resources help lay a strong foundation for fertility and overall wellness so you feel informed and confident in your choices.

Wrapping Up

These 6 books stand out as excellent companions on your fertility journey, offering a mix of science, practical advice, emotional support, and lifestyle guidance. You’ll find detailed nutrition and fertility science in Real Food Fertility, while Taking Charge of Your Fertility offers an accessible path to understanding and tracking your cycle naturally. If egg quality is your focus, It Starts with the Egg delivers targeted scientific insights.

For a nurturing and inspiring approach, Awakening Fertility and Fertile Ground share holistic and mind-body perspectives that help you stay balanced and hopeful. Finally, Making Babies offers a clear, proven program to guide you through optimizing fertility step by step. Picking any of these titles can provide you with knowledge and confidence to support your unique path toward pregnancy and wellness.

Product	Image	Rating	Price	Publication Date	Print Length
Real Food for Fertility: Prepare Your Body For Pregnancy With Preconception Nutrition And Fertility Awareness		4.8/5 (N reviews)	$34.95	February 12, 2024	525 pages
Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health		4.8/5 (N reviews)	$13.00	July 7, 2015	560 pages
It Starts With The Egg: The Science of Egg Quality for Fertility, Miscarriage, and IVF (Third Edition)		4.7/5 (N reviews)	$23.56	August 29, 2023	436 pages
Awakening Fertility: The Essential Art of Preparing for Pregnancy		4.7/5 (N reviews)	$21.27	March 24, 2020	224 pages
Fertile Ground: A Mind-Body Approach to Getting Pregnant Without It Taking Over Your Life		4.7/5 (N reviews)	$6.99 with 56 percent savings	May 14, 2024	240 pages
Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility		4.5/5 (N reviews)	$14.69	August 12, 2009	384 pages

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