Answers to the Most Googled Questions: How to Prepare for Pregnancy (Part 5)

Back by popular demand! 😊 This is the fifth article in my most Googled questions series where I focus on how to prepare for pregnancy and answer various fertility-related questions. If you’ve ever been up late, feeling lost, and frantically searching for answers, I get it—I’ve been there too. 

After trying for a baby for three and a half years, I turned to Google, just like many of you, only to find conflicting advice that confused me even more. So, I’m here to clear things up once and for all!

With the help of my brilliant team, we've sifted through the most searched fertility questions on Google. I’ve already tackled some of the most Googled fertility questions, parts one to four, and today, I’m continuing that mission. My goal is to help you boost your fertility through lifestyle changes and, hopefully, give you the clarity I wish I had during my journey.

These are the exact questions people have typed into Google, hoping to find a solution. So, let’s get started and give you the natural fertility advice you need.

Understanding How to Time Conception Naturally

The first question I want to tackle today is…

FOODS TO EAT DURING OVULATION WEEK?

This question highlights how often women misunderstand ovulation and fertility. Many of us think it’s all about timing one magical day, but the truth is, your egg starts developing long before your fertile window. If you’re wondering how to time conception naturally or how to prepare for pregnancy, it’s important to start much earlier.

For a more detailed explanation, I encourage you to read my article Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle Phases and Hormonal Changes, where I go into depth about ovulation and fertile days. It’s a great resource to build a deeper connection with your body’s natural rhythm.

But let’s not leave you hanging here! I’d love to share what I teach in my online course, An Introduction to Natural Fertility, about timing conception naturally. It’s simpler than it seems when you break it down:

• Your fertile window is key: Timing intercourse during your fertile window—before ovulation—is crucial. This allows sperm to be in place, ready to meet the egg as soon as it’s released.

• Signs your body is ready: Your body gives beautiful, natural signals when it’s ready for conception. This means:

  • Increased libido: When your hormones are balanced and stress is controlled, you’ll naturally feel more “in the mood.”

  • Cervical mucus: Look for clear, stretchy, egg-white-like mucus—it’s the perfect environment for sperm to survive and travel.

  • The cervical canal opens: This subtle change makes it easier for sperm to pass through.

• The journey of sperm and egg: When you and your partner have sex during this time, your body takes care of the rest:

  • Your partner’s ejaculation is designed to propel sperm with impressive force. This is nature’s way of helping it travel the long distance to the fallopian tube.

  • Cervical mucus is vital in nourishing the sperm and guiding it toward the egg.

  • When ovulation occurs, the egg has about 12–24 hours to be fertilised. This is why having sperm already present during your fertile window is so important.

• Fertilisation and implantation: Here is where the magic happens:

  • If sperm meets the egg, fertilisation occurs, and a new life starts its journey.

  • The fertilised embryo then travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it attempts to implant into the uterine lining.

  • If implantation is successful, congratulations! You’re pregnant. If not, the uterine lining sheds during your next period and the cycle starts again.

I know this process can feel overwhelming, but your body is designed for this. Each cycle is an opportunity to learn, nurture, and take steps that bring you closer to your dream.

One of the most important steps is understanding how to time conception naturally. Unfortunately, many couples miss this critical window, not realising that boosting fertility isn’t just about age. It’s about aligning a healthy lifestyle with a deeper understanding of your body’s rhythms.

The fertile window, typically lasting five to six days around ovulation, is key because sperm needs to be in place before the egg is released. A common misconception is that timing sex on ovulation day alone is enough, but by then, it’s often too late. By focusing on the days leading up to ovulation, you can significantly improve your chances of conception.

So, going back to our question on how to prepare for pregnancy and what foods to eat during ovulation week. As mentioned above, your egg doesn’t develop overnight, meaning preparation must start earlier to increase fertility naturally and improve egg quality.

First, avoid overeating or eating heavy meals. When your body uses energy for digestion, it diverts blood flow to the stomach instead of where it’s needed most. Therefore, opt for light meals in moderate portions. 

If you’re only thinking about your egg quality during ovulation week, it’s already too late. Your egg’s journey starts months before ovulation. The egg you ovulate today started its maturation up to 90 days prior. That’s when your body selects a resting follicle to begin developing. 

So, the work to improve egg quality should start well before your fertile window—ideally three to four months in advance. This involves focusing on balanced nutrition, stress management, and overall health to support healthy egg development.

For those interested in learning more about how foods can affect egg quality and ovulation, read this article, How To Optimise Your Diet and Health When Trying for a Baby, which dives into this topic in more depth. 

Remember, ovulation is a process, not a one-day event. You can do many things to boost your chances naturally, but the key is to plan ahead rather than relying solely on actions during your fertile window.

How Can I Increase My Fertility Naturally?

If you’re wondering how can I increase my fertility naturally, it’s important to stop obsessing over age and statistics. While it’s true that fertility naturally declines with age, that’s only part of the story. 

What really matters when focusing on how to prepare for pregnancy is creating an environment where your body can thrive, which you can actively influence by preparing for your healthy pregnancy with lifestyle changes.

Boosting fertility naturally isn’t about quick fixes or miracle solutions. It’s about embracing what I call the 5 Pillars of Natural Fertility. These pillars form the foundation of a healthier, more balanced life and help prepare your body for conception.

1. Sleep

Sleep is absolutely essential. Think of it as your body’s chance to recover, restore, and regulate the hormones that support fertility. Consistency is key here, so aim for 8 hours of quality sleep every night, and allow at least 9 hours of bedtime.

Turn off screens an hour before bed (I know it’s tempting to scroll, but your body will thank you), and try sleeping in a pitch-black room. These small changes make a huge difference to your hormone production and overall well-being.

2. Nutrition

Forget calorie counting; focus on nourishment. A fertile body is a well-nourished one, and the best place to start is by cooking your meals from scratch. Include plenty of whole foods, aiming for:

• At least 100 grams of high-quality protein daily

• Healthy fats to fuel your hormones

• A variety of colourful vegetables to feed your body and support your gut health

Remember: fertility nutrition isn’t complicated. It’s about going back to basics, eating consistently, and creating habits that nourish you from the inside out. If you need some wholesome and delicious food ideas, then check out my recipes! 

3. Stress Management

Stress is a sneaky one because it creeps in and can disrupt your hormones without you even realising it. But life is stressful, especially for us modern women, so we can’t avoid it altogether. What we can do is learn to manage it.

So, there are a few simple and calming activities you can weave into your daily life to help manage stress and bring a sense of peace:

• Take a walk in the park: Fresh air and nature are wonderful for grounding yourself and clearing your mind. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.

• Have a quiet cup of tea: Make it a little ritual. Choose a calming herbal tea, sit somewhere comfortable, and let yourself pause and unwind.

• Take a few deep breaths during a busy day: Breathing deeply signals your body to relax. Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts and exhale for four counts. It’s simple and incredibly effective.

• Stretch or do light yoga: A few gentle stretches can release tension from your body and mind. Poses like child’s pose or cat-cow are great for relaxation.

• Write in a journal: Spend 5–10 minutes jotting down your thoughts or listing a few things you’re grateful for. This helps shift your focus to the positive.

• Listen to calming music: Create a playlist of your favourite relaxing songs and play it while you cook, commute, or unwind in the evening.

The key is consistency. Plan stress-relieving activities into your routine and prioritise them just like you would an important meeting.

4. Joy

When was the last time you laughed until your cheeks hurt or lost track of time doing something you love? Joy is so often overlooked, but it’s essential, especially when trying for a baby.

The fertility journey can be long and challenging, so finding moments of joy is non-negotiable. Whether it’s dancing, painting, or simply spending time with people who make you happy, make sure joy has a consistent place in your life. It’s not just nice to have—it’s a must!

5. Exercise

Movement is vital for your body and mind. It improves blood flow, balances your hormones, and helps you manage stress. Many women worry about exercising when trying to conceive, but gentle, regular activity is one of the best things you can do.

Choose exercises you enjoy—like yoga, swimming, or brisk walking—and keep them a consistent part of your lifestyle. Your body will thank you for it.

These 5 Pillars of Natural Fertility are about more than just boosting fertility; they’re about creating a balanced, vibrant life that aligns with your goals. The changes don’t have to be drastic. Start small, be consistent, and trust that every step brings you closer to your dream.

Now that we have that clear, let’s move on to our next Google question…

AVERAGE TIME TO GET PREGNANT BY AGE?

If you’re 35, my honest advice is: Don’t Google it. I’m not pulling statistics here because numbers are just that—statistics. Yes, natural fertility declines with age, and we’re born with a finite number of eggs. But these factors aren’t everything when it comes to conceiving. 

How you live—nutrition, sleep, hormonal balance—is far more influential. I get irritated because, like many women, I was bombarded with worries about egg decline and age. But here’s the thing: a healthy woman past the age of 36, who ovulates regularly, eats well, and rests properly, can get pregnant. It’s not all doom and gloom!

You also have to think about something critical: are you and your partner consistently having sex during your fertile window? Many couples trying for a baby struggle with this, and it can stretch the time it takes to conceive. A brutally honest fact!

So, rather than Googling age statistics, focus on what you can control, like: 

• Sleep

• Nutrition

• Living in harmony with your cycle

• Eliminating PMS

• Balancing your hormones

The key is to control the controllable. Great. Now, onto the next Google question…

HOW TO CONCEIVE TWINS OR TRIPLETS NATURALLY?

Honestly, I don’t have a definitive answer for this. And, from a medical perspective, no reputable expert can give you a simple one-liner on how to engineer twins or triplets naturally. If anyone claims they can, chances are they’re selling you something!

Conceiving multiples depends on things like releasing more than one egg during ovulation or multiple sperm fertilising an egg. It’s as random as winning the lottery. Plus, carrying twins or triplets is a complex, high-risk pregnancy. I’d suggest focusing on a healthy pregnancy first and foremost.

If you're thinking about how to boost fertility in your 30s, remember that consistency is key. Establish healthy habits, ensure regular sleep, and track your cycle. These are the things that will make a difference.

How to Prepare for Pregnancy

As you move forward in your fertility journey, I want to leave you with a vital reminder when learning how to prepare for pregnancy, which is all about creating a healthy foundation for conception, not just physically but emotionally and mentally, too.

Start by being kind to yourself and listening to your body—your fertility is closely tied to your overall well-being. Prioritise rest, manage stress and nurture your body with nourishing foods. In this journey, try to stay present, celebrate small wins, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.

Conceiving naturally is a beautiful, unpredictable process. Don’t lose sight of the joy it can bring, even when challenges arise. Support, patience, and knowledge are your best tools. Always keep in mind that preparing for pregnancy includes these lifestyle choices that, over time, can make all the difference.

Lastly, please pass this along if you know anyone who would benefit from these insights. Sharing knowledge and supporting one another is key to creating a more informed and empowered community of women.

Thank you for being here on this journey with me.

Irena x

Related Articles:

• Understanding Your Fertility Window Before Trying to Conceive

• How To Regulate Menstrual Health Cycles with Chinese Medicine

• How To Overcome Menstrual Irregularities and PSM with Chinese Medicine