12 Unusual ways to get pregnant

12 unusual ways to help you get pregnant

Whether you are newly married and are now ready to add a baby into the equation, or you have been trying to conceive (TTC) for quite some time but there’s still no sign of that darn stork, it doesn’t hurt to check out these 12 unusual ways to help you get pregnant.

Our list of unconventional tips for those TTC is not just for the future mums, but daddies-to-be get an interesting selection to try out as well. So good luck and baby dust to all!

For the ladies

Usually just three minutes after you say the words, "I do", is when all the excited aunties will squeal and squeeze your arm as they ask, "So when are you going to have a baby?".

We get it, having a baby is a wonderful blessing, but unfortunately not all couples can easily get pregnant and those who are struggling to conceive will eventually resort to all sorts of bizarre methods just to finally see a plus sign on that stick.

Women tend to feel the pressure a bit more than men and our biological clocks seem to tick a little louder. But fret not, we have found a few unusual ways to help you get pregnant:

1. Pierce your nose

Body piercings are all the rage now and beginning to become more socially acceptable. But did you know that you can apparently boost your fertility simply by piercing your nose?

According to Ayurvedic medicine, the left side of your nose is associated with the female reproductive organs, so piercing it is believed to help reduce menstrual discomfort and alleviate pain during childbirth, although this has not been scientifically proven.

Whether or not this will really work, we think it’s still a cool fashion statement anyway!

2. Get hypnotised

Believe it or not, some women are turning to hypnotherapy to get them one step closer to motherhood, according to the British Society of Hypnotherapists.

Although there is no medical proof that hypnotherapy can cure infertility, it does however help to lower stress and anxiety, which can affect hormone levels and therefore reduce chances of conceiving.

It is said that some women might also have some sort of mental block which could be stopping them from getting pregnant, so by getting hypnotised to release their stress can in turn help them with their TTC journey.

We’re not sure if the hypnotherapists will use a swinging watch to put you into a deep sleep, but it sure is a novel alternative to get destressed.

3. Use menstrual cups

When trying to get pregnant, the thought of your monthly visit from Aunt Flo will probably make you feel frustrated. But some women swear that using menstrual cups after having sexual intercourse can help increase chances of conceiving.

It is believed that this device, which was originally created for menstrual collection can actually be a conception aid by helping to retain the semen over the cervix.

Apparently using a menstrual cup, otherwise known as a conception cap, helps to bring the sperm into direct contact with the cervix, thus increasing the sperm's odds of reaching the uterus and ultimately implanting into the egg.

Little research has been done to show conclusive results for this method, but some doctors don’t see any harm in couples trying this out, although it might not be effective for those with more complex infertility issues.

4. Get a henna tattoo

Have you noticed that Malay and Indian brides in Singapore like to get beautiful henna (temporary) tattoos done on their hands and feet for their big day?

Not only will it look beautiful in pictures, but it is believed that different henna symbols hold different meanings.

Henna symbols of fertility include: Paisley, Tortoises, Flower buds, and Zig Zags.

Ms Rinihartini Md Ibrahim, Henna artist and owner of Inai By Rini, believes that wearing henna may help aid fertility and there can be many truths and hidden goodness to what henna and such symbols of luck and fertility can bring to the wearer.

She says, "I feel that Henna is both therapeutic and a form of beautification so we are not at a total loss for wanting to believe in something that science has yet to explain. What we choose to believe can eventually turn out true if we believe it to be true".

(Image source: Inai by Rini

5. Use herbal tampons

We know what you’re thinking – what on earth are herbal tampons? They are not as bizarre as they sound and are believed to help with unblocking fallopian tubes, therefore increasing chances of conceiving, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this.

Apparently these unique tampons contain various traditional Chinese herbs which offer support to women’s reproductive system.

Conventionally you are advised by Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) physicians to consume such herbs as a tonic so as to maintain a good and healthy reproductive system, herbal tampons on the other hand are supposed to be inserted – you guessed it – down there instead.

We are not sure just how effective this method is, but do consult your healthcare provider before trying this out.

6. Use precious gemstones

When reality TV queen Kim Kardashian and her husband, rapper Kanye West, were struggling to conceive their second baby, she resorted to a few strange TTC rituals, one of which was to wear pearls while doing the deed as well as surrounding herself with moonstone crystals.

Before you brush this off as eccentric celebrity mumbo-jumbo, we found out that certain crystals and gemstones are believed to possess fertility-boosting properties.

Each crystal and gemstone has their own frequency and based on their individual molecular structure, they are said to release certain healing energies.

Popular choices for fertility issues would be the Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Turquoise, and Black Coral (for male fertility).

Even though this method has not been scientifically proven to help women get pregnant, it still makes a beautiful fashion accessory to change up your look and make you feel gorgeous!

Want to know what are the unusual ways to get pregnant that your man can adopt? Read on to find out!

For the men

Men seem to get less flak about not having kids as compared to women, but that doesn’t mean it hurts them any less not to be able to have a son or daughter of their own yet.

That said, research has shown that in about 40% of infertile couples, the problem lies with the man, so he has just as much responsibility as the woman to do the best he can to keep in tip-top shape and boost his fertility.

It is also important that men go for a fertility test, so that any problems that are discovered can be treated in the earlier stages.

So come on men, show your wife that you want a baby as much as she does by getting tested, and while you’re at it, why not give the following unusual TTC ideas a try as well?

7. Try acupuncture

Some of you may have heard that singer Mariah Carey thanks acupuncture for the TTC success of her twins, but did you know that acupuncture treatments have been suggested to help with male infertility as well?

Research shows that going for regular acupuncture treatments can increase sperm production, help with sperm motility and improve the overall quality of sperm so that men can reach their full reproductive potential.

Just a heads up for the men before heading over to get pricked all over – some of the acupuncture points are actually quite focussed around your "family jewels", so this is definitely not for the faint of heart!

But come on, if women can carry a growing baby inside them for nine months and endure the excruciating pain of childbirth, a tiny needle or two is not going to hurt, right?

8. Wear frozen underwear

Singapore is a hot and sunny country to live in, so wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to stay cool all over? And we really mean, all over.

Doctors agree that men who wear tight underwear or are exposed to high temperatures (such as saunas or working in a kitchen) can increase testicular temperature and in turn create abnormal semen quality.

Men are also advised to go commando or take off their pants when they are at home as it will help reduce testes temperature and perhaps turn the heat up for your lady!

So there is a new invention on the market now called Snowballs™ which is a cooling underwear for men and claims to be a natural fertility aid for men, as it helps to lower scrotal temperature therefore increasing sperm count and quality.

You could also try popping your underwear into the freezer for a cheaper alternative to keep your boys cool in the sweltering tropical weather - just make sure they’re clean before chucking them next to your wife’s favourite tub of ice cream.

9. Eat durian

A century old Javanese belief is that the durian has aphrodisiac properties and eating it will boost libido as well as increase your chances of getting pregnant, although this has not been scientifically proven.

There is even the old saying, "When the durian comes down, the sarongs come off", which shows this culture’s faith in this mystic fruit to help stimulate sexual desire and performance.

One of the Javanese Kings back then had durian trees planted near his palace and was said to devour the creamy yellow fruit before his infamous "private sessions" with his concubines.

The durian is actually rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Iron, Dietary Fibre, Protein, Vitamin A and Calcium, and is safe for adults to consume in moderation, including pregnant and breastfeeding mums.

So the next time it’s time to do the baby-dance with your partner, why not skip the oysters and chocolates and head straight for some sweet and delicious durian instead?

10. Drink pomegranate juice on New Year’s Eve

In Turkey, the pomegranate is a symbol of good luck, life, prosperity and fertility, and a common cultural practice is to eat it during the countdown to New Year.

A lot of other cultures believe this round red fruit to be a symbol of fertility and there just might be a few reasons why.

Some studies have shown that the pomegranate is high in antioxidants, can help prevent cancer cells from spreading throughout the body, lower cholesterol levels, and can provide heart-protecting benefits.

Pomegranate juice can also boost sperm count and quality, so go on and drink up all the goodness, not only at the next New Year’s Eve party, but all year round!

11. Use natural lubricants

Do you know that some commercial brands of vaginal lubricants can actually damage sperm integrity and motility?

Although vaginal lubricants are often recommended to women who suffer from vaginal dryness due to fertility treatments, studies have shown that it can actually decrease the chances of fertilization!

But for those who need a little help to get things going down there, we suggest you try the more sperm-friendly (and edible) lubricants to help your chances of getting pregnant. These include: Canola oil, egg whites, olive oil, coconut oil, plain yoghurt.

Chances are, you already have most of these in your kitchen anyway, so you won’t have to fork out any extra money to really heat things up!

12. Turn off your WiFi

Not only are you killing the mood by constantly scrolling through online social media sites instead of giving your partner undivided attention, researchers have found that laptop computers with WiFi may be damaging your sperm!

Electromagnetic radiation from the wireless internet has been blamed for the drop in sperm motility after four hours of being near a laptop downloading data, as well as getting DNA damage.

Banking in on this possible modern day side effect to men’s health, some companies such as Wireless Armour, have come up with a "smart, wearable tech’ WiFi shielding men’s underwear", and has even been described by Sir Richard Branson as "underpants for superheroes".

Dr Clarence Yeo Sze Kin from the Singapore Men’s Health Clinic says that although there is no conclusive scientific study that can prove radiation from laptops can cause damage to the male reproductive organ, he mentions that the heat from the laptop may actually affect sperm activity and even cause a certain level of damage.

So turn off that laptop and go turn on your charm with your lucky lady instead.

What do you think of our 12 unusual ways to help to get pregnant? Have you personally tried any of them before? Or do you plan on giving one or two of them a shot? We’d love to read your comments below!