Trying to conceive
Trying to conceive is an exciting time, and a little preparation can help you feel more in control. This guide covers pre-conception health, your fertile window and when to seek help — alongside the fertility checks available at London Pregnancy Clinic.
Available atLPC City (E1)
Preparing your body before you conceive
When you are trying to conceive, small changes to your health in the months beforehand can make a genuine difference. Evidence suggests that being in good health before pregnancy supports both your own wellbeing and your baby's earliest development. A sensible starting point is a pre-conception review — you can arrange trying-to-conceive health screening through our sister clinic, Spital Clinic, or book a dedicated fertility health check with us.
NHS guidance recommends that anyone hoping to become pregnant takes a daily 400-microgram folic acid supplement, ideally starting at least one month before conception and continuing until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid is taken as a supplement because it is difficult to get enough from diet alone, and it helps reduce the risk of neural tube conditions such as spina bifida. Some people are advised to take a higher 5mg dose, which only a GP can prescribe, so speak to your GP if you think this may apply to you.
Lifestyle matters too, and these steps apply to both partners, since sperm quality is also shaped by general health.
- Take a daily 400-microgram folic acid supplement
- Stop smoking and keep alcohol to a minimum
- Aim for a healthy weight before conception
- Review any regular medicines with your GP
- Encourage your partner to look after their health too
Understanding your fertile window
Timing intercourse around ovulation gives you the best chance of conceiving in any given cycle. Ovulation usually happens around 10 to 16 days before your next period, and the fertile window is mainly the week around ovulation. Because sperm can survive in the body for up to seven days, having regular sex every two to three days across your cycle means sperm are more likely to be present when an egg is released.
You can watch for signs that ovulation is approaching, such as clearer, wetter and more slippery cervical mucus (a little like raw egg white), a small rise in body temperature afterwards, or a positive ovulation predictor kit. If your cycles are fairly regular, our ovulation calculator can help you estimate your most fertile days. If your cycles are irregular, these estimates are less reliable, and a scan-based approach may give you a clearer picture.
How long should you try before seeking help?
Most couples conceive naturally within a year. More than 8 in 10 couples in whom the woman is under 40 will conceive within 12 months of having regular unprotected sex, and around half of those who do not conceive in the first year will do so during the second. Try not to worry if it does not happen straight away — for many people it simply takes a little time.
Current NICE guidance (NG257) suggests that couples who have not conceived after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse should be offered further assessment. NICE also advises earlier referral at presentation — without waiting a full year — if the woman is aged 36 or over, or if either partner has a known or suspected cause of fertility problems, or a history of factors that can affect fertility. In these situations it is worth speaking to your GP or arranging a fertility health check sooner rather than later.
Fertility checks and scans available at LPC
If you would like reassurance or a clearer picture, London Pregnancy Clinic offers a range of fertility assessments for individuals and couples. A follicle tracking scan uses a short series of ultrasound scans across your cycle to watch how your follicles develop and to help confirm whether and when you are ovulating — particularly useful if your cycles are irregular or you would like to time conception precisely.
Fertility is not only about the woman: a male factor is involved in a significant proportion of difficulties conceiving. A semen analysis is a simple, important early step that measures sperm count, movement and shape. Our male fertility screening service explains semen analysis in detail and offers a broader screening package, so that together these checks help build a fuller picture and inform any conversation about next steps.
- Pre-conception and fertility health check
- Follicle tracking scan to monitor ovulation
- Semen analysis and male fertility screening
Looking after yourself while you try
Trying to conceive can be an emotional experience, especially if it takes longer than you had hoped. It is normal to feel a mix of excitement, impatience and worry along the way. Being kind to yourself, leaning on your partner or people you trust, and focusing on the things within your control — such as your general health and timing — can all help.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. If you have concerns about your fertility, or you are already pregnant and worried about your baby's wellbeing, contact your GP, midwife or maternity unit promptly.
Your questions answered
How long does it usually take to get pregnant?
For most couples it takes several months rather than the first cycle. More than 8 in 10 couples where the woman is under 40 conceive within a year of having regular unprotected sex, and around half of the remainder conceive during the second year. If it is taking longer, that does not necessarily mean anything is wrong, but a check can be reassuring.
When am I most fertile in my cycle?
You are most fertile in the few days leading up to and including ovulation, which usually occurs around 10 to 16 days before your next period. Because sperm can survive for up to five days, having sex every two to three days across your cycle keeps you well covered. If your periods are regular, our ovulation calculator can help you estimate your most fertile days.
Do I need to take folic acid before I get pregnant?
NHS guidance recommends a daily 400-microgram folic acid supplement from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy, as it lowers the risk of neural tube conditions such as spina bifida. Because it is hard to get enough from food alone, it is taken as a supplement. Some people need a higher 5mg dose, which a GP can prescribe, so speak to your GP if you think this may apply to you.
How long should we try before seeing a doctor?
NICE recommends seeking further assessment after 12 months of regular unprotected sex if you have not conceived. You should seek advice sooner — at the point you first present — if the woman is aged 36 or over, or if either partner has a known or suspected fertility issue. It is worth speaking to your GP or arranging a fertility health check in these situations.
Does age affect how easily I can conceive?
Yes. Fertility gradually declines with age, particularly from the mid-30s, which is why NICE suggests earlier assessment for women aged 36 and over. Age can affect both the chance of conceiving in each cycle and how long it may take, although many people in their late 30s and 40s still conceive naturally.
Should my male partner be checked too?
It is a good idea. A male factor is involved in a significant proportion of fertility difficulties, and a semen analysis is a simple early test measuring sperm count, movement and shape. You can read more about the test and the wider package on our male fertility screening page.
Can a scan help me time conception?
Yes. A follicle tracking scan uses a series of ultrasound scans across your cycle to monitor follicle development and help confirm when you ovulate. This can be especially helpful if your cycles are irregular or you would like to pinpoint your most fertile days.
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Sources & clinical references
The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.