The study was conducted on intrauterine insemination treatments. Twenty-seven percent of women who lay down for 15 minutes after the procedure went on to have a baby, which is pretty good compared to the seventeen percent who got up and moved around. The evidence supports the commonly held idea that lying still will give sperm a fighting chance.
As I was reading about this study, which was conducted in the UK, I naturally began to wonder if this same principle really does apply to “natural” attempts at conception. I’ve candidly discussed positions before on this blog, and concluded that it probably doesn’t matter. However, this suggested that lying still might actually help, at least a little bit.
Even researchers were surprised at the results due to previous research that proves that sperm reach the egg in just a few minutes. The argument is, if it only takes a few minutes, what’s the point of lying down for fifteen more?
Since less than four hundred couple were included in the study, the findings may not be as accurate as projected. The percentages could change as more couples are studied.
Some woman swear by lying down with their legs up in the air. Others will tell you that the only thing you will accomplish by lying in such an awkward position is sore legs and tingly feet. I wouldn’t be surprised if some women out there did headstands out of sheer desperation. Lying still with legs slightly elevated on a pillow, however, will definitely help you relax and help gravity out a little bit, so it certainly can’t hurt.
Ultimately conception depends on timing. If you pass the football and there’s no one there to catch it, there’s no chance for a touchdown. Figure out when you ovulate, give it your best shot and hope for the best. If it doesn’t work, try it again until it does. And if it still doesn’t work, don’t be embarrassed to ask your doctor for help.