Get Pregnant Faster With These 7 Tools

For women trying to conceive, knowing their bodies' natural rhythm is usually the best place to start. "Simply learning about the monthly cycle and when the optimal time for conception is — usually between day 8 and 14 of the cycle — can greatly improve the chances of getting pregnant," explains Jennifer Mayer, certified holistic health coach, birth doula, and co-founder of Baby Caravan in New York. At the same time, having the right tools at one's fingertips can help in truly determining the most fertile time of one's monthly cycle.

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For those who have no other medical complications, aside from knowing when to conceive, there might be some tricks of the trade to tell you when you're ovulating. 

From wearing the right color underwear so you can best notice cervical mucus, to taking special vitamins to enhance your chances of conceiving, there are definitely ways to game the system. 

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So check the calendar, by a new pair of underwear, be calm, and don't stress it! The baby business is a fickle beast to manage, but these tricks just might help get things done. Here, seven essentials that a woman should have on hand when trying to conceive …

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trying to conceive tool kit
Hero Images/Corbis

1. Black underwear

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Gap

In order to spot the most fertile cervical mucus, you may want to be conscious of what color underwear you're putting on around the middle of your cycle. Midwife Kristin Mallon, CNM, explains, "It can help if women wear black underwear, as fertile mucus is really white."

2. Dark pantyliners

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Amazon

Some women may prefer wearing pantyliners around mid-cycle, when fertile mucus is present. The dark-hued kind (like these Femtastic Black Panty Liners, $10.99, Amazon.com) can make it easier to spot your body's natural sign of peak fertility.

3. Digital ovulation test

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Target

A digital ovulation test, like Clear Blue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test ($24.49, Target.com), can help you predict your peak fertile times to help you conceive. Dr. Mylene Yao, OB/GYN and co-founder/CEO of Univfy, explains, "These kits measure the surge of luteinizing hormone [LH] from ovulation." The surge will indicate that you are expected to ovulate with 24-36 hours, which is the best time to try to conceive.

4. Basal thermometer

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amazon.com

Because a basal thermometer (like this iProvèn Digital Basal Thermometer, $23.80, Amazon.com) has the unique ability to track the body's most subtle temperature shifts to indicate ovulation, they are often considered useful for trying to conceive. Basal body temperature can be affected by irregular sleep patterns, exercise, and stress, warns Dr. Yao. So it's most effective when used along with other conception tools.

5. Ovulation app

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Kindara

Many apps you can use right on your smartphone or tablet will help you chart your cycle to better zero in on ovulation. Mayer recommends women use the free app Kindara, which offers a cool bonus feature that allows you to connect your account to your practitioner or purchase KindaraCare to be connected with the company's trained fertility counselors.

6. Folic acid

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Amazon

Most women know that taking folic acid (like Nature Made Folic Acid, $16.68, Amazon.com) while pregnant is important, but most experts recommend to start taking it while trying, too. Studies show it can protect your baby from some serious birth defects, including spina bifida, a life-threatening spinal malformation. And to keep you and the baby healthy, taking it prior to conception can ensure you're in good shape from the very start of your pregnancy. The recommended dose: 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid a day.

7. Magnesium

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Puritan.com

Magnesium deficiency can cause spasms in a woman's Fallopian tubes, preventing egg implantation, notes Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., author of The Complete Natural Guide to Women’s Health. She also says that magnesium is required in higher amounts during pregnancy due to its stress reduction properties, muscle relaxation, and food metabolizing properties. So taking it to enhance conception also creates a healthier pregnancy. Bioavailable magnesium citrate (such as Puritan's Pride Magnesium Citrate, $13.99, Puritan.com) is most easily absorbed. Speak with your health care provider about the best dose for you.