Ovulation windows, sex positions, due dates—there’s a lot of information to keep in your head when you’re trying to get pregnant.


Keep calm and remember these 5 facts:

1. The overwhelming majority of women will be able to get pregnant.

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Ninety percent of women of reproductive age who are trying to become pregnant will be able to conceive naturally within two years. In addition, of the 44% of women with infertility issues who seek treatment, a majority (65%) will go on to give birth.

2. But only a small percentage of women will get pregnant each month.

It’s normal for it take to a few months to get pregnant. In fact, only a fraction of women having unprotected sex each month will conceive, according to the findings of U.K. researchers.

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3. Being at a healthy weight is good for mom + baby.

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Being at a healthy weight for your body (generally this means a BMI in the range of 18.5 to 24.9) makes it easier for you to conceive. Plus, a growing body of research indicates that moms with a healthy body weight during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of miscarriage and infant death.

4. Folic acid is your friend.

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Taking folic acid (400 to 800 mg daily) and eating a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense foods before and during pregnancy (check out folate-rich foods) can help reduce neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are major birth defects of a baby’s brain and spine (including anencephaly and spina bifida). Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk of defects by up to 70%, according to the CDC.

So pop that prenatal vitamin, even if you’re not actively trying to conceive this month.

5. Fertility is a men’s issue, too.

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Researchers are increasingly finding that a man’s age, lifestyle habits and other health factors directly affect his ability to make healthy babies. In fact, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, in nearly 40% of infertility cases, a man is the sole cause or a contributing cause.