When I first thought about pregnancy, or trying to becoming pregnant,  my mind drew a blank (in that I felt totally clueless); but, then the total opposite feeling occurred — all of the information I recalled hearing here and there overwhelmed me.

I’ve partnered with First Response Prenatal Multivitamins to help spread the word about the reality behind many #conceptionmisconceptions.

Dr. Sierra, a top fertility specialist, shares her input on some common pregnancy and conception misconceptions:

(1) Healthy diet, exercise, and a prenatal vitamin are all key components when you’re trying to conceive a baby.  It’s not just about “relations” with your partner.

25% of pregnant women don’t take a prenatal vitamin – Dr. Sierra

(2) For optimum results, you should start taking folic acid, or a prenatal multivitamin, at least three months before you conceive.  According to Dr. Sierra, most women wait until they’re pregnant to start with a prenatal multivitamin, but you get the full benefits from all of the nutrients if they’re already in your system.

There are no negative health affects from taking prenatal vitamins well before conception, during pregnancy and then all throughout breastfeeding. If you’re considering having a baby, it’s always best to start taking a multivitamin right away – Dr. Sierra.

(3) A lot of couples think getting pregnant is easy (and many put it off due to careers, marriage, timing etc), but the reality is that every month, couples are trying to conceive under ideal circumstances and are still not having luck.

Each month, there’s a 1 in 5 chance that you’ll actually conceive.  When you think about it, a 20% chance isn’t that high – Dr. Sierra.

(4) Age definitely plays a role in conception.  If you’re over the age of 35 or have a history of miscarriages, Dr. Sierra advises seeking advice from a fertility specialist.

(5) Another common myth is that if you’re experiencing nausea throughout your pregnancy then you should avoid a multivitamin (some women believe it’s just too hard on their system).  But, the First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummie doesn’t contain iron, which makes it easier on the system (but, check with your OB to ensure your iron levels are healthy).

(5) A common misconception is that infertility is a female problem.  According to Dr. Sierra, a lot of women actually go into her clinic on their own without a partner.  In reality, up to 45% of infertility cases are actually due to issues between both partners.

Smoking and drinking affect sperm count just as they affect the ovaries – Dr. Sierra

(6) “Actively trying” doesn’t simply mean having unprotected sex with your partner.  Clinically speaking, Dr. Sierra says couples should be having intercourse two to three times per week if trying to conceive a baby.

(7) Secondary infertility is a very real problem.  Dr. Sierra says if affects one in six couples and comes with a higher emotional strain when compared to those who haven’t yet had a child.  Many people presume that if you’ve had one baby, there should be no reason why you can’t create another one.

(8) IVF used to be regarded as unobtainable to many couples.  But, a new Ontario law makes it easier on couples under the age of 43.  The government will cover one round of IVF to help make the procedure more affordable.

Overall, pregnancy and conception can feel like exciting, yet scary, times for many couples.  Taking care of your health is one way to help increase your odds at expanding your family.

Note: this post is sponsored by First Response.  To learn more, visit First Response