If you are like most people, now that you have decided to have a baby, you want to get pregnant as soon as possible. Most couples who have no health problems will conceive within 4-6 months of unprotected intercourse. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances from the start - 0r at least not get in your own way.

* If you smoke, stop. Smoking can hurt both male and female fertility and it is better to stop now so you don't risk harm to your unborn baby. Smoking during pregnancy is linked to reduced birth weight and premature birth.

* Use a sperm-friendly lubricant such as PreSeed. Most lubricants can interfere with sperm motion or even block their path to the egg. Don't use saliva or lotions as these can actually change the acid balance of the vagina and kill or immobilize sperm.

* Time intercourse correctly. A woman is most fertile approximately 2 days before and 2 days after ovulation. This window of opportunity can be even smaller as an egg can live only about 12-48 hours. Sperm live much longer, but even so sperm live on average just 24-72 hours. Learning when you ovulate is important to maximize your chances. The average woman ovulates at day 14 of her cycle (counting from the first day of red blood during her period) but I have talked with women who ovulate as early as day 7 and as late as day 25. If you have intercourse every other day during the peak fertility window, you will maximize your chances. The best way to learn when a woman ovulates is through a learning your personal fertility signs. You can read about signs of ovulation in Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

If after 12 months of unprotected intercourse you have not conceived, it is important to talk to your doctor. Male or female infertility could be the problem. Male fertility problems are the cause just as often as female fertility problems. Sometimes the cure is as simple as a round of antibiotics or may be as invasive and expensive as in vitro fertilization.

A simple sperm test is now available for use at home to help narrow down the potential issues, it is no where near as precise as laboratory tests, but it can be a first step to understanding your fertility.