Pregnancy & TTC Learning Center

No matter what stage you’re in, we have the right guidance: articles from fertility experts and blog posts from people just like you.

PREGNANCY (23)

Article

What Does a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test Mean?

Confused woman looking at faint line on first response pregnancy test results

When you’re trying to conceive, knowing when you are most likely to get pregnant is crucial. Each month, there is a short window when an egg can be fertilized and implant in the uterus. Learn how to calculate these best days to conceive by tracking ovulation and seizing the opportunity on your most fertile days.

Article

What Does a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test Mean?

Confused woman looking at faint line on first response pregnancy test results

When you’re trying to conceive, knowing when you are most likely to get pregnant is crucial. Each month, there is a short window when an egg can be fertilized and implant in the uterus. Learn how to calculate these best days to conceive by tracking ovulation and seizing the opportunity on your most fertile days.

Article

PCOS and Pregnancy: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Fertility & You

Pregnant woman with PCOS getting her vitals checked at the doctor.

Roughly 5 million women in the United States of reproductive age are living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), according to the CDC. PCOS is a condition where higher androgen levels in the body can lead to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, thinning hair, excess facial hair (hirsutism), and often a harder time getting pregnant.

Article

5 Things to Know About Implantation Bleeding & Early Pregnancy

Implantation Bleeding

Many people focus on missing their period as one of the first signs of early pregnancy. You might be surprised to learn that a small amount of blood and some cramping – known as implantation bleeding – can be a sign of pregnancy as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and your 9-month journey begins.

Article

Understanding Ovulation: When is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?

Ovulation calendar

When you’re trying to conceive, knowing when you are most likely to get pregnant is crucial. Each month, there is a short window when an egg can be fertilized and implant in the uterus. Learn how to calculate these best days to conceive by tracking ovulation and seizing the opportunity on your most fertile days.

Article

Am I Pregnant? The First Signs & Symptoms of Being Pregnant

Woman is unwell and lying on a couch, appearing dizzy and experiencing a headache.

Knowing you are pregnant sooner affords you an early start on a healthier pregnancy for both you and your baby. Most women know the basic early signs of pregnancy, especially a missed period. But that's not the only sign. If you're wondering whether or not you're pregnant, it's probably time to take a pregnancy test – especially if you're experiencing any of the following early pregnancy symptoms.

Article

Choose the Pregnancy Test Strip or Stick That’s Right for You

Pregnant woman reading a book about pregnancy in bed.

When you need a pregnancy test to help you know if you are pregnant, there are several convenient and accurate at-home pregnancy test kits you can choose from. But do you want to pee on a stick (POAS) or in a cup? Analog or digital tests? We’ve got a quick primer to help you understand the different types of pregnancy tests – whether you’re looking for something quick, easy-to-use, discreet, or a combination of these features!

Article

Understanding Chemical Pregnancies: Early Miscarriages Explained

Upset young Asian woman holding a negative pregnancy test in her bathroom.

Knowing you are pregnant sooner affords you an early start on a healthier pregnancy for both you and your baby. Most women know the basic early signs of pregnancy, especially a missed period. But that's not the only sign. If you're wondering whether or not you're pregnant, it's probably time to take a pregnancy test – especially if you're experiencing any of the following early pregnancy symptoms.

Article

Home Pregnancy Test 101: Know The Basics

You pee on a stick and then a few minutes later the answer to one of the biggest questions in a woman’s life appears, seemingly almost by magic, in a small window. But how does it all work?

Article

Fitness Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Elizabeth Yepez, MD is a board certified ObGyn and Clinical Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine. Dr. Yepez has focused much of her career in eliminating racial and socioeconomic health disparities.

Article

Late or Pregnant

Mary Jane Minkin, M.D. is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist in private practice in New Haven, Connecticut, and a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine.

Article

Pregnancy Milestones: Pregnancy by Trimester

For obstetricians, three is certainly a magic number. We tend to think of pregnancy in trimesters, each composed of about 13 weeks. A lot happens in each trimester, and here I’ll outline what is occurring and what you might notice, during each of these phases.

Article

How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?

A young woman stands in front of a bathroom mirror, unboxing a First Response pregnancy test.

From the earliest moments of conception, your body is already starting to undergo monumental changes. One of the very first is production of the pregnancy hormone, hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), which can be detected in your blood and in your urine.

Article

Prenatal Vitamins Explained

Prenatal vitamins are a definite DO when you are in your reproductive years and when you’re pregnant. But there are so many out there, it’s hard to know which vitamin is right for you. Getting the facts about prenatal vitamins will help you avoid confusion.

Article

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Many healthy changes that a woman makes before pregnancy will not only impact the health of her pregnancy, but also her ability to get pregnant in the first place. I often find that when asked to think about their future baby, women often make lifestyle changes more willingly.

Article

When is the Right Time to Have a Baby?

Let's start with the truth: There is no perfect time to have a baby. There will almost always be something that’s out of sync with your biological yearnings: your career, your age, your relationship (or lack thereof), your financial status, your tiny apartment – the list of potential barriers goes on.

Article

What is DHA?

If you’re pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, you may have heard of DHA. But what is DHA? DHA is an acronym for the nutrient docosahexaenoic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid.

Article

How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

First Response pregnancy test displaying a "pregnant" result.

You pee on a stick and then a few minutes later the answer to one of the biggest questions in a woman’s life appears, seemingly almost by magic, in a small window. It reads either “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

COVID-19 RESOURCES (3)

Article

Advice for TTC and Pregnant Moms During COVID-19 by Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN

Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN

New Haven, CT: Pregnant, trying to conceive couples and those within weeks/months of giving birth are questioning the safety of going to the hospital, doctor’s office, labs and clinics. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University and founder of MadameOvary.com offers tips and tells women to stay calm but be prepared.

Video

First Response is here to reassure and support you.

There will be life video

Hope and joyful moments will guide us through these uncertain times. There is so much joy in bringing a new life into the world. So wherever you are in your pregnancy journey, First Response is here to reassure and support you.

TRYING TO CONCEIVE (27)

Article

Advice for TTC and Pregnant Moms During COVID-19 by Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN

Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN

New Haven, CT: Pregnant, trying to conceive couples and those within weeks/months of giving birth are questioning the safety of going to the hospital, doctor’s office, labs and clinics. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University and founder of MadameOvary.com offers tips and tells women to stay calm but be prepared.

Article

3 Tips to Reduce Stress if You’re TTC

When you’re actively trying to conceive (TTC), things can get a little stressful. Seeing that disappointing “negative”, month after month can really take a toll on your spirit. It may be hard to maintain that positive outlook when you feel like you’re just not getting anywhere.

Article

Understanding the IVF Process from Start to Finish

When you’re actively trying to conceive (TTC), things can get a little stressful. Seeing that disappointing “negative”, month after month can really take a toll on your spirit. It may be hard to maintain that positive outlook when you feel like you’re just not getting anywhere.

Blog

A Reminder for the Woman Wanting a Baby

Danielle works in partnership with First Response to share her pregnancy stories. This story was originally featured on her blog, Today’s the Best Day.

Article

Am I Ready to Get Pregnant? How to Decide.

Deciding to begin trying to conceive is one of the biggest and most exciting choices you’ll ever make. That’s why you should give it plenty of thought before you begin.

Article

Advice from Women Who’ve Been There

Trying to conceive (TTC) can be an emotional roller coaster. At times it can be exciting and enlightening (“we’re making a life!”), but it can also be stressful and frustrating (“we have to have sex how many times?!”).

Article

Does Using A Lubricant Inhibit Conception?

The job of a gynecologist is to help keep women from getting pregnant when they don’t want to be pregnant, and to help them conceive when they want to have a baby.

Article

Getting Pregnant At 35 or 40: It’s More Common Than Ever

Pregnant mother looking at ultra sound next to baby basket.

When you’re ready for a baby, it seems pregnancy can’t happen soon enough. Whether you and your partner are planning to get pregnant during a specific time of year, balancing work schedules and vacations, biological clocks, or are just anxious to get a little one in your arms — the waiting game can get old quick.

Article

When Will I Get Pregnant?

It’s a question many of us ask ourselves, often before we are even trying to conceive. The problem? There’s tons of conflicting information out there. So we’re going to sort through the noise.

Blog

How I Got Pregnant the Second Time Around

By Brandi Jeter Brandi works in partnership with First Response to share her pregnancy stories. This story was originally featured on her blog, Mama Knows it All.

Article

Ovulation Test & Conceiving

When you're trying to conceive, you can't leave it up to chance. Your body runs on cycles with fertile windows. An ovulation predictor kit can help you identify the two days of the month when you're most likely to conceive.

Article

How to Check if You Have Fertile Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus, often abbreviated CM, may not have the most pleasant sounding name but it is an important part of your everyday bodily functions. It has huge importance to TTC couples, which is why it’s important to know how to check your cervical mucus, identify when it’s most fertile and how to improve it.

Article

Why is My Period Late? 10 Possible Reasons for a Missed Period

A late or missed period can make you hopeful (if you’re trying to get pregnant) or worried (if you’re not). While pregnancy is one cause of your period not arriving on schedule, it’s not the only reason you might be late or you might skip a cycle. Myriad factors from stress or miscounting to larger underlying medical reasons can cause your period to be delayed or missed.

Article

7 Tips on How to Get Pregnant Easier & Faster

When you’re ready for a baby, it seems pregnancy can’t happen soon enough. Whether you and your partner are planning to get pregnant during a specific time of year, balancing work schedules and vacations, biological clocks, or are just anxious to get a little one in your arms — the waiting game can get old quick.

Article

Making the Most of Your Natural Fertility

Whether you have just started trying to conceive or you have been trying for years, there are things you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting pregnant. In general, couples have about a 20% chance of conceiving each month.

Article

Planning for Baby & Pregnancy Planning Tips

The selection of your physician or other healthcare provider will be one of your first important decisions in planning for a baby. Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable, whose outlook and treatment of pregnancy is closely aligned with your own beliefs.

Article

Popular Conception Strategies: Fact or Fiction?

There's no research or clinical evidence to support that "worrying" hinders conception. Extreme stress can affect your ability to ovulate in very rare cases. "Worrying about it," on the other hand, can be useful if it moves you to action in the form of determining your ovulation and then timing intercourse to coincide with your most fertile time.

Article

Trying to Conceive: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Congratulations! You’ve decided to have a baby and that’s a very exciting time of your life. But remember, making a baby can take time. So be patient, especially when your friends seem to constantly be sharing their good news and the in-laws are asking, ‘Are you pregnant yet?’ every time they see you.

Article

When is the Right Time to Have a Baby?

Let's start with the truth: There is no perfect time to have a baby. There will almost always be something that’s out of sync with your biological yearnings: your career, your age, your relationship (or lack thereof), your financial status, your tiny apartment – the list of potential barriers goes on.

Article

Why Is Everyone Else Pregnant

The worst part about checking the mail used to be expecting bills; now you have the same feeling in your stomach when you receive a baby shower invitation.

Article

Working Out When Trying to Get Pregnant

Your personal health plays a vital role when trying to get pregnant. When you’re TTC, you have to start taking better care of your body in order to prepare it for carrying a baby.

INFERTILITY (9)

Article

Understanding the IVF Process from Start to Finish

When you’re actively trying to conceive (TTC), things can get a little stressful. Seeing that disappointing “negative”, month after month can really take a toll on your spirit. It may be hard to maintain that positive outlook when you feel like you’re just not getting anywhere.

Blog

An Open Letter to Women In the Infertility Clinic Waiting Room

An Open Letter to Women In the Infertility Clinic Waiting Room Shelley Skuster Open letter By Shelley Skuster Shelley works in partnership with First Response to share her pregnancy stories. This story was originally featured on her blog, Shelley Writes

Article

How to Select a Fertility Clinic

If you have been trying to get pregnant for 1-2 years without success, you may decide it’s time to take things to the next level in your baby making journey. Fertility clinics can help by assessing your medical and sexual history, identify potential causes of infertility, and recommend treatment.

Article

Dealing with Infertility – Diagnosis & Support

The guidelines state you should seek the advice of a specialist if you are under 35 and have had unprotected intercourse for 12 months without a pregnancy. However, if you are over 35, you should only wait 6 months to seek the advice of an infertility treatment specialist.

Article

Is a Pregnancy Support Group Right for You?

1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. You are not alone. If you’re living with infertility and looking for support, you may want to consider finding a support group in your community.

Article

Making the Most of Your Natural Fertility

Whether you have just started trying to conceive or you have been trying for years, there are things you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting pregnant. In general, couples have about a 20% chance of conceiving each month.

Blog

When Infertility Robs You of Those Two Pink Lines

He thought we’d wait for a blood draw at the RE’s office two weeks after his swimmers were shot up my you-know-what with a catheter. But I had my own plan of seeing those two pink lines in the comfort of our bathroom and surprising him early with the news of impending fatherhood.

UNDERSTANDING FERTILITY (12)

Article

7 Things To Give Up To Help You Get Pregnant This Year

Every couple mired in infertility, every woman who has ever spent hours scouring the Internet for new breakthroughs and conception tips has had the same wish: For a clear-cut, easy-to-follow program that would guarantee a healthy pregnancy.

Article

Chances of Getting Pregnant: What to Expect at 20, 30 and 40

The decision of when a couple decides to start a family is a deeply personal one, and a host of professional and personal factors go into your family’s own ideal timetable. And even when a man and a woman agree that the time is right, there is no predicting how long the journey of trying to conceive might take.

Article

Does Using A Lubricant Inhibit Conception?

The job of a gynecologist is to help keep women from getting pregnant when they don’t want to be pregnant, and to help them conceive when they want to have a baby.

Article

Fertility Fact vs. Fiction

If you are trying to conceive, you have probably heard many tips for getting pregnant and have a hard time discerning fertility fact from fiction. Which suggestions may actually help when you are trying for a baby?

Article

Ovulation Test & Conceiving

When you're trying to conceive, you can't leave it up to chance. Your body runs on cycles with fertile windows. An ovulation predictor kit can help you identify the two days of the month when you're most likely to conceive.

Article

How to Check if You Have Fertile Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus, often abbreviated CM, may not have the most pleasant sounding name but it is an important part of your everyday bodily functions. It has huge importance to TTC couples, which is why it’s important to know how to check your cervical mucus, identify when it’s most fertile and how to improve it.

Article

Why is My Period Late? 10 Possible Reasons for a Missed Period

A late or missed period can make you hopeful (if you’re trying to get pregnant) or worried (if you’re not). While pregnancy is one cause of your period not arriving on schedule, it’s not the only reason you might be late or you might skip a cycle. Myriad factors from stress or miscounting to larger underlying medical reasons can cause your period to be delayed or missed.

Article

Prenatal Vitamins Explained

Prenatal vitamins are a definite DO when you are in your reproductive years and when you’re pregnant. But there are so many out there, it’s hard to know which vitamin is right for you. Getting the facts about prenatal vitamins will help you avoid confusion.

Article

Knowing Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

The first phase of your cycle is called the follicular phase. This begins on Day one of your cycle, which is the first full day of menstrual bleeding when the lining of the uterus starts to shed.

Article

When Should I Use an Ovulation Test?

First, determine the length of your normal cycle. It could be anywhere from 20 to 45 days long. Start counting on day one of your period (the first day of bleeding or spotting) — and stop counting on the first day of your next period. This is the length of your cycle.

HAVING A BABY? (12)

Blog

An Open Letter to the Expecting Mom

An Open Letter to the Expecting Mom Open letter By Danielle Davis Danielle works in partnership with First Response to share her pregnancy stories. This story was originally featured on her blog, Today’s The Best Day.

Article

Dealing with Gender Disappointment

Most families have a story about an aunt or a grandmother who was expecting to have a baby of one gender, based on how she was feeling during the pregnancy, how she carried her weight, etc.–and ended up with a baby of the opposite gender.

Article

Fitness Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Elizabeth Yepez, MD is a board certified ObGyn and Clinical Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine. Dr. Yepez has focused much of her career in eliminating racial and socioeconomic health disparities.

Article

I’m Pregnant! Now What? Healthy Pregnancy Tips

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Hold onto your maternity jeans, because lots of changes lie ahead. Fortunately, we have some tips to make your pregnancy journey a little more comfortable.

Article

Pregnancy Milestones: Pregnancy by Trimester

For obstetricians, three is certainly a magic number. We tend to think of pregnancy in trimesters, each composed of about 13 weeks. A lot happens in each trimester, and here I’ll outline what is occurring and what you might notice, during each of these phases.

Article

Cost of Having a Baby

Can you afford to have a baby? Sure, it’s an age-old question that people have been trying to accurately answer, for generations. Or, at least since paid maternity leave was a thing.

Article

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Many healthy changes that a woman makes before pregnancy will not only impact the health of her pregnancy, but also her ability to get pregnant in the first place. I often find that when asked to think about their future baby, women often make lifestyle changes more willingly.

Article

When is the Right Time to Have a Baby?

Let's start with the truth: There is no perfect time to have a baby. There will almost always be something that’s out of sync with your biological yearnings: your career, your age, your relationship (or lack thereof), your financial status, your tiny apartment – the list of potential barriers goes on.

Article

What is DHA?

If you’re pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, you may have heard of DHA. But what is DHA? DHA is an acronym for the nutrient docosahexaenoic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid.