Khaberni - Every woman aspires to motherhood until she becomes a mother, and her first pregnancy is a special event she eagerly awaits. However, some women may face delays in getting pregnant, which causes worry and confusion. If you are looking for answers about the reasons for delayed pregnancy, you are in the right place.
According to "hopkinsmedicine", the main reasons for delayed pregnancies for first-time mothers, starting from the duration of the delayed pregnancy when it becomes a problem that requires consulting a specialized doctor, through the health issues that may impede pregnancy such as blocked fallopian tubes, ending with important tips for increasing the chances of natural pregnancy. The causes of delayed pregnancy for first-time mothers—those who have never been pregnant—include the following:
- Inappropriate timing of marital relations
The failure to conceive may be linked to the timing of marital relations on days not suitable for pregnancy. It is important that the sperm meet the egg during the ovulation period of the egg formation stages. In this case, tracking the menstrual cycle and identifying ovulation days can be an important step to improve the chances of pregnancy.
- Problems with ovulation
If ovulation does not occur regularly, or if the ovaries do not release a mature egg at the end of the egg formation stages, this is one of the main reasons for delayed pregnancy for first-time mothers. It is recommended to consult a specialist to identify the cause and address any dysfunction that may affect ovulation.
- Problems with sperm
The number of sperm, their shape, and their movement can affect the couple's ability to conceive. A doctor may recommend a semen analysis to determine any issues affecting fertility.
- Advancing age
The chances of natural pregnancy decrease with age, as the quality and quantity of eggs begin to decline. People in their twenties and thirties have higher chances of pregnancy compared to those over forty.
- Problems in the fallopian tubes
Blocking or damage in the fallopian tubes can prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the womb. This may lead to failure to conceive or to an ectopic pregnancy.
Also read | How does your child grow during the first three months of pregnancy?
- Problems in the womb
Abnormalities in the shape of the womb or the presence of extra tissues such as fibroids are reasons for delayed pregnancy for first-time mothers, as they may prevent the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining, hindering pregnancy.
- Use of previous contraception
Some contraceptives, like the contraceptive injection, may affect fertility even after stopping their use. It may be one of the causes of delayed pregnancy for first-time mothers, and it may take several months for fertility to return to normal.
- Other medical issues
Some medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis may affect the ability to conceive. If a woman suffers from any medical condition affecting fertility, it is important to consult a specialist, as
Early diagnosis and treatment of the causes of delayed pregnancy for first-time mothers can help couples achieve pregnancy. Therefore, it is advisable to communicate with a specialist if attempts continue without success for six months to a year.
What is the normal duration of delayed pregnancy and when is there a problem?
The normal duration of delayed pregnancy varies based on the woman's age. In normal cases, most couples are able to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of regular attempts that do not use any contraceptives.
Also read | "Winter season".. Tips for preventing seasonal diseases
When should you visit the doctor?
Women under 35 years old
If pregnancy does not occur after a year of regular attempts, it is advised to go to the doctor for the necessary examinations and fertility evaluation. This duration is normal and may not initially indicate a health problem.
Women over 35 years old
If a woman is 35 years of age or older, it is preferable to consult a doctor after 6 months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive as age advances, the chances of pregnancy naturally decrease, and thus it is advised not to wait for a long period before seeking a diagnosis or medical intervention.
If attempts have not succeeded after these recommended periods, there may be a fertility-related problem that requires medical evaluation.
How to increase the chances of natural conception
If you are frustrated by the failure to conceive but are not ready yet to visit a gynecologist, there are some steps you can take to increase the chances of natural pregnancy:
- Determine the timing of ovulation
The best chance for pregnancy occurs when having intercourse on the days preceding and during ovulation. To accurately determine the timing of ovulation, you can track your menstrual cycle by:
- Measuring your basal body temperature daily upon waking, as a slight increase in temperature for three consecutive days indicates ovulation.
- Monitoring the changes in cervical mucus, which becomes smoother and more slippery prior to ovulation.
- Using ovulation test strips available in pharmacies.
- Undergoing medical examinations
Also read | Do you often forget and struggle to focus? Learn about "brain fog"
Also read | Causes and symptoms of bad breath| Learn about them
If you are unable to determine ovulation using the above methods, you can visit a doctor for precise tests such as laboratory hormone tests or ultrasound imaging of the ovaries to verify ovulation.
- Avoid lubricants that affect sperm
Avoid lubricants that could negatively impact sperm such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, and olive oil. Instead, you can use fertility-friendly lubricants like Pre-Seed, mineral oil, or canola oil.
- Focus on overall health
Improving your lifestyle to be healthier may help enhance your chances of pregnancy. Some tips include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
- Reducing stress levels.
- Taking prenatal vitamins such as folic acid.
- Visit the doctor before trying to conceive
