Pregnancy: Myths About Conception

As we've already discussed, getting pregnant isn't necessarily as easy as it sounds. The percentage game, however, can be complicated even more when myths about how to increase chances are believed and acted upon.

Old wives tales, urban legends and even some myths that are firmly rooted in fact all revolve around pregnancy. They are often handed down from generation to generation, passed on as well-meaning advice. While some things might actually help, if an idea sounds too crazy or too unusual, check it out before you try it.

The truth is if the goal is to actually conceive, the myths won't help. Let's take a look at a few of the most common misconceptions about conception.

Relaxing makes it all work out. While it's true that relaxing can really help make the process that leads to conception a whole lot more fun, stress level has very little to do with increasing or decreasing the chances of conceiving. Stressing enough to track ovulation can, for example, help the process along. Extreme cases of stress, however, might on an off chance effect ovulation, but this is very, very rare.

Cough syrup is the key. This one involves thinning the lining of cervical mucus by drinking an expectorant prior to trying to conceive. There's something to this idea, but there's no proof if it really helps or doesn't.

Daytime is the right time. Another myth surrounding conception involves an increased chance for success when love is made during the day with the lights on. While sperm counts tend to be higher first thing in the morning, lights have nothing to do with chances for success.

Increased sexual activity can help. While this can be fun, the fact of the matter is a person can have sex every five minutes and not conceive if an egg isn't ready for fertilization. In fact, too much sex can lessen a man's sperm count and make it harder to conceive when the time is right.

Headstands. There's a persistent rumor that says standing on your head after sex will increase chances for conception. While some experts recommend lying down for a while, there's no proof handstands will actually help. Plus, the simple fact remains that all the handstands and headstands in the world won't help if an egg isn't ready to be fertilized.

For some people, conceiving is difficult enough without a bunch of myths getting in the way of the facts. If there's reason for concern, check with a physician for assistance. If the well meaning advice of friends, family and even co-workers sounds too good to be true or too off the wall, seek out the facts before trying the ideas.