Fertility Supplements for Women Trying To Conceive (TTC)

When you are TTC you want to do anything to help. You might change your diet, activities, and daily routines. You might have sex in different positions, and even different places!

It can be all-consuming.

Ideally, you want your eggs, body, and cervical mucus to be in tip-top condition ready to make a baby.

There is research that supplements may help you with your goal of getting pregnant. Not only might these supplements help when TTC, but they may also help prevent problems with the baby’s development during pregnancy.

Here are 3 fertility supplements to consider when you are trying to conceive 

Folic Acid for TTC

When you are trying to get pregnant, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you should take folic acid. Folic acid is a man-made version of B9, AKA folate. This helps the body make red blood cells. You can get it in your diet through folate enhanced foods as well as broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, chickpeas and kidney beans. 

You should take folic acid to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. Some research suggests that it may even increase fertility rates 

How much folic acid should I take when TTC?

The NHS suggests you should take 400 micrograms a day when TTC and up until you are 3 months pregnant. If your midwife or doctor has told you there is an increased risk of birth defects then you may need to take a higher dose. 

Vitamin D for trying to get pregnant

1 in 6 UK adults has low levels of vitamin D in their blood. Vitamin D is responsible for regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These are needed to keep your teeth, bones and muscles in good working order. Studies have also found that a vitamin D deficiency can be a risk marker for reduced fertility.

How much vitamin D should I take when TTC?

The NHS recommends that adults take 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day, particularly during the winter months. You can have a blood test to determine how much you need. 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

You can get omega 3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon and sardines. However, if you aren’t eating these fish at least twice a week then you might benefit from a supplement.

One study found that women taking omega 3 supplements were 1.5 x more likely to conceive than those not taking it. 

Quick note, if you are taking cod liver oil then check the packet to make sure you are not exceeding the recommended dose of vitamin A which can be toxic in high doses during pregnancy and when TTC. 

How might omega 3 fatty acids help when TTC?

• Regulate reproductive hormones
• Increase blood flow to the womb
• Increase egg white cervical mucus 

Our TTC journeys 

Whether you have been trying for a month, a year, or a decade, TTC is stressful. It’s even worse hearing ‘if you stop trying and relax it will happen.’

It’s not helpful to hear and we know this first hand. 

Our founder, Rachel, went through IVF to have her son, George after unexplained infertility and years of trying.

I myself got pregnant fairly easily. However, at 10 weeks I had a miscarriage. This followed months of trying and feeling a deep sense of grief and failure when my period arrived. You can read my story here Opening Up About Miscarriage.

Personally, I found taking fertility supplements helped my mindset. It made me feel like I was in control of something and doing everything I could to bring a baby into the world.

Sending you lots of love on your TTC journey. 

We hope you meet your baby soon <3