The Best TTC Tips: Fact or Fiction? • Contentment + Chaos

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The sheer amount of TTC Tips that exist on the internet is overwhelming. Then, add to that the fact that a lot of the tips directly contradict one another: one blogger will swear she got pregnant by giving up dairy; another will swear by switching to full-fat dairy. (And then there’s the old wives’ tales…what’s that about pineapple?) So what does the actual research say about all this stuff?

That question prompted me to add this section of “TTC Tips: Fact or Fiction?” For each tip, I read and researched countless scholarly articles and medical studies (think articles that read, “Bromelain is an inhibitor of blood platelet aggregation, thus minimizing the risk of arterial thrombosis and embolism”). I’ve tried to translate these “science-y” articles into plain English for you here. Be warned that the answers are not always super conclusive — after all, think about how many variables go into conception. I’ve also included my own experience. Each of these summaries are posted below on the clickable links. I hope it can be useful for you!

Trying to conceive tips based on research

But first, a few things:

1. Little disclaimer: I am not a doctor or nurse, nor do I claim to have any medical expertise. I have simply examined various research-based and evidence-backed studies from medical journals, not blogs or random online articles. In addition, I made every attempt to actually go back and read the original results of each medical study or clinical trial, rather than articles that cite them or comment on them. I’ve tried to be as unbiased as possible; however, since that is not entirely possible, I would recommend you do a little research on your own. I’ve included the links to the research reports that I read on each page. Also — after reading the research, ask your doctor first to see what he/she thinks about what you want to try before you try it!] The official disclaimer:

[Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical practitioner. Any medical information is strictly my opinion based on research and personal experience, and not to be taken as advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for your medical needs. Read my full disclaimer here.]

2. This is a work in progress that I’m constantly updating with new questions and new information. If you’re wondering whether or not a “tip” you read about is actually research-based, let me know about it in the comments and I will look into it and add it here! (Or if you find more recent research contradicting me, don’t be afraid to let me know! My goal is to have correct information here!)

3. If you’d rather just read the conclusions about what really matters when TTC and what doesn’t (instead of sifting through all of my research), check out my conclusions on what matters (and what doesn’t) when TTC.