Trying to make a baby? Here are some tips on what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.

Keep track of your period

Have intercourse on days you are most likely to conceive. Timing is everything. Women are most likely to conceive on days they are ovulating. If you aren't already keeping a menstrual calendar, start doing so now. Note down the dates your period starts, how long it lasts, and any other information you feel may be of help to your gynecologist. If you have irregular periods, it may not be easy to calculate the days you are ovulating
A menstrual calendar will also help you keep track of your date of conception, and you will consequently be able to calculate your due date with more accuracy.

Lie down after sex

Don't get up and run around immediately after having sex. Lie down for a while. This increases the chances of the sperm meeting the egg. It is even recommended that you place a high pillow, cushion or bolster under your hips after making love, to direct the sperm upwards towards the egg. Believe it or not, this really does help!

Discuss medication with your doctor

This pose is difficult to achieve initially. You may find it difficult to grab your foot, and you may also find it difficult to turn. If you cannot reach the foot initially, try and reach whatever part of your leg you can - maybe the calf. Do this pose sitting close to a wall, so you can try and reach for the support of the wall as you turn around, instead of placing your hand on your back. Make sure you are not sitting too close to the wall though, you want to have place to turn around.

Avoid coffee

Give up drinking coffee at least for the time you are trying to conceive. Caffeine is believed to reduce the flow of blood to the uterus, restricting the growth of the baby. Studies also suggest that excessive caffeine contributes to a reduction in fertility levels. What constitutes excessive coffee? More than three cups a day is definitely excessive. One or two cups a day is fine but if you are having problems conceiving, give it up for now. If you can't do without your daily cuppa, switch to decaf.

Reduce alcohol consumption

Reduce your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol reduces male fertility levels and so does smoking. Excessive smoking and drinking also affects the quality of sperm, so if you want to get pregnant, give up your vices for the time being. The chances of a healthy pregnancy are higher.

Breathe clean air

If your workplace exposes you to hazardous materials or chemicals, this may affect the quality of your sperm, and it may cause a reduction of fertility levels. It is also unsafe for a pregnant woman to be exposed to hazardous material, as it may adversely affect the foetus, leading to birth problems.

Keep your vagina clean

Saliva can kill sperm, and so can some forms of vaginal lubricants, glycerine and oils. While this shouldn't matter if the male sperm count is very high, if you are having problems conceiving it is best to keep your vagina 'sperm friendly', which means no oral sex or lubricants. Similarly, don't wear scented tampons and avoid vaginal sprays. Keep your vagina clean and natural. Avoid douching, as douching alters the natural acidity of the vagina. It may even lead to vaginal infections, which in a way defeats the very purpose of douching.

Yoga and exercise

Exercise regularly so your body stays fit and in optimum shape, and try these yoga asanas.