You might have seen it in films – someone lying with their legs up in the air after sex, hoping it will help them get pregnant. But does this really work? Let’s look at the facts.
Getting Pregnant: The Basics
To get pregnant, sperm needs to meet an egg. This can happen in two ways:
- Through unprotected sex where sperm enters the vagina
- Through artificial insemination at a clinic or at home
For couples trying to get pregnant through sex, the sperm swims up through the cervix to hopefully meet an egg. For those using artificial insemination, doctors place the sperm directly into the womb using a small tube.
The Truth About the Legs-Up Method
Research shows there’s no truth to the legs-up method. Sperm can swim on their own – they don’t need gravity to help them get where they need to go. You don’t need to lie flat after sex either.
What Really Helps You Get Pregnant?
The best way to improve your chances of pregnancy is to have sex or insemination around the time you release an egg (ovulation). This usually happens about 14 days before your next period starts. For someone with a regular 28-day cycle, this would be around day 14 after their period begins.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Have sex every other day from about day 10 to day 16 of your cycle if you’re trying naturally. Sperm can live in your body for 3-5 days, so this timing gives the best chance for the sperm to meet the egg.
- Use a period tracking app to know when you’re most likely to get pregnant.
- Take care of your health:
- Try to lower your stress through exercise or meditation
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Take pregnancy vitamins with folic acid and vitamin D
- Drink plenty of water
- Track your fertile days
Remember – sex should be enjoyable, not just about making a baby. Too much stress about getting pregnant might actually make it harder to conceive.
When to See Your Doctor
If you’re under 35 and haven’t gotten pregnant after trying for a year, talk to your doctor. If you’re 35 or older, see your doctor after six months of trying.
See your doctor sooner if you have:
- Irregular periods
- Past sexually transmitted infections
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Your doctor might also want to check your partner’s sperm count if they have diabetes or use testosterone.
Common Fertility Myths Debunked
You’ve probably heard lots of old wives’ tales about getting pregnant – from eating certain foods to trying specific positions. Let’s clear the air! While pineapple core won’t boost your fertility (despite what TikTok might say), and standing on your head after sex isn’t going to help either, these myths persist because people desperately want them to work. Think of your body as a sophisticated laboratory – it knows exactly what to do. Just like you wouldn’t flip your morning coffee upside down to make it stronger, you don’t need gravity-defying tricks to help those determined little swimmers reach their destination. What really matters? Timing, overall health, and a dash of patience.
The Bottom Line
While putting your legs up after sex won’t help you get pregnant, having sex at the right time of your cycle can make a big difference. Focus on tracking your fertile days and staying healthy rather than trying tricks that aren’t backed by science.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Baby
Zoom Baby is a leading supplier of Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Test Kits
This post was originally published in 2018. It was last updated in January 2025.
