When it comes to pregnancy, there are so many myths and old wives tales that it can be hard to sort the fact from the fiction. People will claim that the gender of the baby is related to the phase of the moon at the time of conception, or the sexual position that you used to fall pregnant. Others will say that you cannot fall pregnant at all unless you have an orgasm.
Your number one priority should be your wellness and wellbeing, and so if you are trying to become pregnant you should seek advice first and foremost from your healthcare professional, and ignore the well-meaning and often strange advice of family and friends.
One common myth is that you need to stop the pill for at least six months before you will be able to conceive. In truth, as soon as you stop taking the pill, you can potentially get pregnant. Even missing a pill or two is enough to mean that you fall pregnant in some cases! At the same time, hormone-based birth control can have an effect on the cervical mucus, and it may take some time for this to reverse in order for you to become pregnant.
Others believe that if you have sex with the woman on top, you will not fall pregnant. This one is entirely untrue. It is possible to fall pregnant from any (vaginal!) sexual position, as ejaculation causes the sperm to be placed high up inside the vagina, and the sperm then swim. Due to the natural forces of gravity, it may make pregnancy slightly less likely, but it is most definitely not impossible.
One myth that is true is that if men were tight pants, it may be harder for them to father a child. This is because sperm does not like to become too hot. Tight pants restrict the testicles from moving around and this can lower the sperm count. Loose fitting cotton shorts are best for men who are trying to conceive a baby.