The way to conception, for some couples is smooth, while others face difficulties. If you are giving a serious thought on having a baby, here is what, we think you need to know when you are ready to conceive.

All the more, this is not an exhaustive list, but the basics of conception. These are tips that help you get pregnant - naturally and healthily.

Let's take a look at some basic aspects of conception

Be sure to take folic acid

This is important as the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects. This is because folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord.

Quit cigarettes, alcohol and drugs

Now, that you are planning a baby, it is obvious to quit smoking or taking drugs as these greatly diminish your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner's sperm count. Studies have also shown that even passive smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. Medical experts confirm that alcohol, should be avoided by to-be-mothers so that the child is born healthy and without defects.

Reduce Caffeine

Research says that your ability to absorb iron is hindered when you take in too much of caffeine and increases the risk of stillbirth. Hence, it is best to avoid coffee, tea, and colas in order to increase your chances of getting pregnant. However, if you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium intake and will make conception easier.

What's your weight?

A woman who has the right weight as per her body size, also has good chances of getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it's a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range.

Get your timing right

Your chances of pregnancy depend a lot on the right timing. If you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones, you lessen the chances of conception.

Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Your trusted gynecologist or family doctor can better assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you're ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal when ovulation is about to occur. To read more about Are you planning to get Pregnant?