Extreme lengths couples go to when trying for a baby – including sex regimes

Couples who are trying for a baby are willing to go to extreme lengths to fall pregnant – from becoming vegetarian to having sex during a full moon.

When 2,000 parents were polled, 21% swore by the unfounded notion that women lying with their legs in the air after sex will help them to get pregnant.

Meanwhile, 30% tracked their ovulation cycles, 17% only had sex in a particular position and 13% lost weight in order to boost their chances of conceiving.

One in 10 gave up smoking, but only a fifth quit drinking alcohol while trying to conceive.

Just under half (46%) admitted it took longer for them to fall pregnant than they thought it would, while 45% worried it was never going to happen for them.

Susanne Bisinotto, from Vitabiotics Pregnacare Conception, which commissioned the research, said: "There is lots of advice out there on how to conceive and not all of it is completely true.”

She added: "Trying to conceive can be a stressful and difficult time for many couples, particularly if it takes longer than they thought it would.

"Separating the facts from the fiction will help you both feel more informed and hopefully create a smoother journey to getting pregnant."

Research also showed while one in five don't think the old wives' tales and tricks they tried made any difference, 54% are convinced they helped them to conceive.

And 19% purposely followed urban myths to try and boost their chances of getting pregnant, although 60% of those admitted their partner complained about it.

Almost nine in 10 even ended up arguing about it.

More than a third were also given hints and tips from others on how to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant.

Just 13% welcomed this advice – but the rest found them 'annoying'.

Instead, 16% approached their parents for words of wisdom when trying to conceive, while 15% sought help from their best friends.

Others turned to their doctor (20%), others who have children (8%) and shared their concerns online (12%).

It also emerged the average age respondents had their first child was 27 years old, with 80% believing this to be later than in previous generations.

But while one in five said their first child was the most difficult one to conceive, 20% felt they struggled the most to fall pregnant with their second baby.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, found that when trying to conceive, the average couple had sex five times-a-week, with one in 20 admitting they did it at least 14 times-a-week or twice-a-day.

Although, 24% felt their journey to getting pregnant wasn't a smooth one, and 14% turned to IVF treatment.

Gwenda Burns, chief executive of the charity Fertility Network UK, which is a partner of Pregnacare, said: "Whatever a couple's experience of fertility issues, one thing they have in common is the need for support and advice on a practical and emotional level.

"One in six couples in the UK face issues with fertility.

"Fertility Network UK is the nation's leading patient-focused fertility charity. We are here to provide free and impartial help, support, advice and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues – you are not alone'."

Following the findings, Vitabiotics Pregnacare Conception has put together a quiz to test people's knowledge of conception – try the quiz here.

Top 20 things couples tried in a bid to conceive

1. Tracked ovulation cycle

2. Raised legs after sex to 'let gravity help'

3. Taken a vitamin supplement

4. Stopped drinking

5. Had sex multiple times daily

6. Had sex in a particular position to maximise chance of pregnancy

7. Only had sex during your 'ovulation window'

8. Lost weight

9. Stopped smoking

10. Drank more water

11. Cut out caffeine

12. Started an exercise regime

13. Prayed

14. Cut out carbs

15. Stopped eating meat

16. Eaten bigger breakfasts

17. Cut out chocolate

18. Had sex during a full moon

19. Started meditating

20. Cut out dairy

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