7 real parent tips for getting pregnant faster

Trying to conceive and looking for tried-and-tested tips? Who better to share what worked for them than mums and dads

When you start trying for a baby, every month ends with a nail-biting moment: will your pregnancy test be positive? 

If you can’t wait, we’ve scoured our Netmums forum for real tips from parents who’ve been there, done that. Literally! And we’ve rounded up some of their hacks for getting pregnant quickly.

How long does it take to get pregnant?

It’s different for every woman. But if you’re wondering how long it will take to get pregnant, most couples are successful within a year, says the NHS. You’ll need to be having regular, unprotected sex though.

Here’s what real parents suggest you do to get pregnant, fast.

1. Use an ovulation test such as Clearblue® Digital Advanced Ovulation Tests

Loads of parents in our forum swear by doing one thing: tracking when you ovulate. And there's an easy way to do this that was recommended time and again: using an ovulation test such as the Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test.

The ovulation test from the No. 1 Doctor-recommended brand* is super easy to use. It works by tracking 2 key fertility hormones: estrogen and luteinising hormone (LH). The test typically identifies 4 or more fertile days** in your cycle, letting you know with a flashing smiley face when you’re at your high fertility days. A static smiley face appears when you're at your peak fertility days.

One mum revealed: ‘I used Clearblue Advance Digital Ovulation Tests. Once I got that smiley face (had to do it in work!!). I got home and DH and I had to have a quicky in the afternoon. Something obviously worked … can't believe how quickly it happened.’

Using the Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Tests means no more guesswork and can actually DOUBLE your chances of getting pregnant***.

*In a survey of doctors in the UK (data on file)

**In a study of 87 women, 4 or more fertile days were identified in 80% of cycles using actual cycle length.

***In first cycle of use vs not using ovulation tests

2. Have regular sex

Knowing when you’re ovulating is vital for this next top tip from parents … have lots of sex! And while it doesn’t matter what position you choose, it's recommended you have regular, unprotected sex every 2 to 3 days.

This is especially important in the days before ovulation. Sperm can survive for 5 days in a woman’s body, so will be ready for when an egg is released.

However, one mum advises: ‘Don't just have sex around the time of ovulation. I had irregular cycles so we just did it at least every other day.’

3. Keep your legs in the air

Okay, so there’s zero scientific proof of this next tip. But lots of mums in our forum said they propped their legs in the air after sex … and then got pregnant. If you want to give it a try, pop a pillow under your hips to tilt your pelvis. This could help the sperm on its way to your uterus. 

One mum said: ‘When we started trying I would put a pillow under my bum and put my legs up after sex. It worked first time with my son and I’m now 6 weeks pregnant again. It's definitely worth a try.’

4. (Try) and relax

We know this is literally the last thing you want to hear. (Trust us, we’ve been there). But mums in our forum recommend trying to relax … if you can. 

One mum said: ‘When I finally stopped obsessing over it and accepted that we were never going to have a baby I fell pregnant. I was so convinced that it wouldn't happen I didn't even bother to test and didn't find out until 8 weeks.’ 

If you’re finding it stressful, here are some useful ways to look after your mental health when trying to conceive.

5. Think about what you eat

Eating healthily can improve your fertility. This includes drinking plenty of water, cutting back on booze and caffeine and eating at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.

It's also recommended you take folic acid before you get pregnant, and for 12 weeks afterwards.

Parents in our forum agree with all this, with one commenting: 'I wiped out all caffeine, bought a load of water, cut down on sugar etc and 2 weeks in found out I'd caught.'

6. Keep it a secret

When you're trying to conceive, the last thing you want is people constantly asking you how it's going. So the next real parent tip is a must – don't tell anyone you're trying!

One mum said: 'Don't tell people you're TTC. That makes it drag longer as you constantly get people asking how it's going and "has it happened yet?".'

7. Have fun

If you’re just getting started, this is a great tried-and-tested tip for getting pregnant: enjoy yourself!

This is a special time for you and your partner, so set the mood and let loose. As one mum in our forum recommends: ‘Try not to think about trying to conceive and just enjoy yourselves! ;-).’

Please note: Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test is not intended for contraceptive use or if you do not have menstrual cycles. It is not suitable if you have recently been pregnant, reached the menopause, have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or are taking certain fertility drugs. Women with medically diagnosed fertility problems should ask their doctor if the product is suitable for them.