Thinking of having a baby
Why your health matters when you’re planning to have a baby and what can help if it’s hard to get pregnant.
On this page
Make healthy changes early
Making healthy changes before pregnancy can improve your chances of conceiving and help set you and your baby up for a healthy future.
Things you and your partner can do include:
- eating a balanced diet with fresh foods
- exercising often and having a healthy body weight
- cutting back on caffeine
- avoiding alcohol, smoking, vaping and recreational drugs
- getting enough sleep and finding ways to reduce stress.
You should also start taking a folic acid and iodine supplement at least one month before trying to get pregnant.
How long it takes to get pregnant
You might get pregnant right away if you’re having unprotected sex, but for many couples it may take a year or longer.
Having sex every 2 or 3 days, especially in the 3 days before ovulation gives you the best chances. This is usually 14 days before your next period starts. You can read more about this on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.
Your GP or another health professional can also help you understand your period cycle and work out when you ovulate.
Getting a sexual health check can also improve your fertility, help you have a healthy pregnancy, and keep your baby safe from STIs. Read more about sexual health on the Stop the Rise website.
Finding the cause of infertility
Infertility is when you aren’t pregnant after having regular unprotected sex:
- for 12 months if you're under 35
- for 6 months if you’re over 35.
It can affect both men and women, even if you’ve had children before without any problems.
Fertility tests
Your GP or a fertility specialist can do tests to find out why you're not getting pregnant.
Some tests rule out general health problems that affect fertility, including a full sexual health check, thyroid and other blood tests.
For women, tests often focus on:
- hormone levels
- eggs, ovulation and your period cycle
- physical changes in the reproductive system, such as blockages, scarring, or abnormal tissue growth.
For men, tests usually include checking:
- hormone levels
- how many sperm you’re making, and their shape and size
- how well sperm can move
- your testicles are in the scrotum and don’t have enlarged veins
Read more about fertility testing on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.
Your health and lifestyle choices
Sometimes it isn’t clear why you can’t get pregnant, but it can be to do with:
- your age, weight or what you eat
- smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol or using drugs
- health problems like diabetes or thyroid disease
- a past illness, surgery or pregnancy
- your genes or things in the environment like certain chemicals.
Some medicines can also lower your chances of getting pregnant. Tell your GP about anything you’re taking.
When you can't find a problem
If it's been over 12 months and there isn’t an obvious cause, you may have unexplained infertility. This doesn't mean you can't get pregnant, and many people will still conceive a baby naturally.
You can also try fertility treatments, such as:
- medicines
- surgery
- assisted conception – where sperm or a fertilised egg are put in the uterus
- freezing eggs, sperm or embryos.
Talk to your GP or fertility specialist about what’s involved, how long the process may take and how much it may cost you. You can read more about fertility treatments on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.
Mental health and support
Trying to get pregnant or having fertility treatment can be deeply emotional. If you need support, there are free services you can use. Your GP can also refer you to a counsellor or psychologist. Many fertility clinics offer counselling too.
PCL (Pregnancy Counselling Link)
PCL offer free counselling for fertility and reproduction issues. You can talk to a counsellor over the phone, by video call or see one in person in their Nundah or Mt Gravatt offices in Brisbane.
- Ph: 1800 777 690, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
- Web: Pregnancy Counselling Link – Counselling and Education Services
QENDO Helpline
QENDO offer free and confidential support for people impacted by infertility and other issues.
Fertility Support Australia
Fertility Support Australia are a nonprofit association for men and women who are experiencing fertility challenges. We bring others together to share experiences, information, support and encouragement. It’s free to join and you'll stay updated with events, news, stories and more.