quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

I Should Do What to Get Pregnant?

Crazy Fertility Advice: Fact vs. Fiction

By Kelly Burgess

Just like the old adage "where there's smoke, there's fire," there's a kernel of truth in some of this crazy advice. While standing on your head isn't going to increase your chance of pregnancy, leaping out of bed right after intercourse isn't a good idea, either. Rather, spend a few minutes cuddling, and allow the sperm time to get a start on its journey, Madsen says.

Also, in addressing the "just relax" advice that makes her so crazy, Madsen does note that research shows the stress of infertility and its attendant treatments can effect ovulation. There is strong evidence that yoga, acupuncture and other relaxation techniques can be helpful in easing stress and facilitating conception.

As for the Robitussion, forget it. No one should ingest any medication without their doctor's permission. This goes for herbs as well, Madsen says. "There's nothing wrong with alternative therapies, but any alternative treatments should be coordinated with your medical professional," she says. "Otherwise you have no way of knowing if it may be interfering with your medical procedures."

As for those insensitive people who tell you to stand on your head, have sex while facing north or just relax – well just relax; they probably mean well. People often don't know what to say when faced with a difficult or sad situation, and they may develop a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease.

One thing Madsen always found helpful was simply to not offer too much information about fertility treatments in the first place, so that people didn't have too many specifics. That may not eliminate crazy advice, but it may help to confine it to people who know better than to offer it.

Want to see more?

• Cold Medications and Conception: Can Treating Your Cold Affect Early Pregnancy or Conception?
• Acupuncture and Infertility: The Basics of Acupuncture for Fertility
• Fertility and Flexibility: Yoga When You're Trying to Conceive
• 10 Myths About Conceiving: Falsehoods That Could Hold You Up
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.