Before you try to get pregnant, you don’t think about what trying to conceive is like because nobody talks about it. And, let’s be honest, we can be thankful for that a lot of the time. (Who wants to hear all the details about their friends’ sex lives as they’re trying for a baby? Not us.)

But when things don’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped, trying to conceive (TTC) can start to feel less exciting and more frustrating.

If you’re at this stage, you’re not alone. And if you haven’t started trying to conceive yet, we have some advice to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for trying to get pregnant.

8 TTC Things Nobody Talks About

Here are 8 things nobody ever tells women when they’re trying to conceive.

1. It takes some work

In the movies, people get pregnant immediately after deciding to have a baby. In reality, that’s not usually the case. It takes some effort to monitor your cycle and determine when you’re ovulating. Then there’s the whole “having sex out of necessity” factor. Be prepared to learn a whole lot about your body that you never thought about before and for sex to start feeling more perfunctory than fun.

2. You’ll need more sleep

Whether you’re TTC naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF), you need your z’s to ensure your body has the energy required to make a baby. If you can’t get enough sleep at night, try to nap during the day.

3. Your nutrition matters before you start TTC

Often, women wait until they find out they’re pregnant before they start taking prenatal vitamins. However, you can start taking them before trying to conceive to ensure you’re getting enough folate and other essential vitamins as soon as you become pregnant. Men should also get healthy before TTC.

4. It can quickly turn into an obsession

You might gain a weird obsession with your cycle as you track your temperature and cervical mucus until you ovulate. You’ll cancel plans or avoid scheduling things during ovulation week. Then comes the two-week waiting period where you’ll overanalyze every movement you feel in your body until you can finally take a pregnancy test. If it comes back negative (or if you get your period), you’re back to square one, counting down the days until ovulation.

5. The downs can be really hard

It’s natural to feel defeated when you see a negative pregnancy test, especially when it’s not your first one. Have a support system in place to help you when you start to feel down, whether it’s your partner, a therapist, or a close friend.

6. Other options are out there

If you’re struggling to conceive the old-fashioned way, there are other options out there like IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about how long it’s taking you to conceive. If you choose this route, you will need even more nutritional support, as fertility drugs deplete B vitamins. Pro Tip for couples who have to start here: Double the prenatal dosing from the beginning.

7. Everyone’s journey is different

Remember, no two journeys to parenthood are the same, just as no two couples are the same. So, don’t compare yourself to everyone around you. For example, your journey might involve surrogacy or adoption instead of natural conception. There’s no one right way to make a family!

8. Your genetics could impact your fertility

In some cases, genetics can make infertility more likely. In others, your genetics could make you predisposed to having a nutrient deficiency that can be remedied with the right supplements.

Grow with Us at NutriTots

We’re here for you every step of the way as you grow your family. If you’re TTC or getting ready to start, consider ordering a genetic test. Our tests analyze around 40 genes related to your overall wellness.

A genetic test from NutriTots could give you insight into your overall health and advice on optimizing your nutrition when you’re trying to conceive. Order your genetic test to get started.