More than half of women believe fertility ‘tricks’ helped them conceive, poll finds

The poll found 19 per cent purposely followed urban myths to bolster their chances of getting pregnant

Forty six per cent felt it took longer for them to get pregnant than they thought it would (iStock)

Couples have revealed the lengths they went to in order to conceive, with methods including cutting out carbohydrates, becoming vegetarian and having sex during a full moon.

In the poll of 2,000 parents, 21 per cent subscribed to the unfounded notion that women lying with their legs in the air after sex will help them conceive.

Others tracked their ovulation cycle (30 per cent), only had sex in a particular position (17 per cent) or lost weight (13 per cent) to try and increase their chances of conceiving.

Of all the parents polled, one in 10 gave up smoking and only around a fifth quit drinking alcohol while trying to conceive.

But 46 per cent felt it took longer for them to get pregnant than they thought it would, with 45 per cent feeling like it was never going to happen for them.

Susanne Bisinotto from Vitabiotics Pregnacare Conception, which commissioned the research, said: “There is lots of advice out there on how to conceive and not all of it is completely true.

“Trying to conceive can be a stressful and difficult time for many couples, particularly if it takes longer than they thought it would.

“Separating the facts from the fiction will help you both feel more informed and hopefully create a smoother journey to getting pregnant.”

The poll also found that while one in five don’t think the old wives’ tales and tricks they tried made any difference, 54 per cent are convinced they helped them to conceive.

And 19 per cent purposely followed urban myths to bolster their chances of getting pregnant, although 60 per cent of those admitted their partner complained about it.

Almost nine in 10 even ended up arguing about it.

More than a third were also given hints and tips from others on how to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant.

Meanwhile, 16 per cent turned to their own parents for advice when they were trying to conceive, while 15 per cent went to their best friend.

Others turned to their doctor (20 per cent), others who have children (eight per cent) and shared their concerns online (12 per cent).

It also emerged the average age respondents had their first child was 27 years old, with 80 per cent believing this to be later than in previous generations.

But while one in five said their first child was the most difficult one to conceive, 20 per cent felt they struggled the most to fall pregnant with their second baby.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, found that when trying to conceive, the average couple had sex five times a week, with one in 20 saying they had sex at least 14 times a week — twice a day.

Although, 24 per cent felt their journey to getting pregnant wasn’t a smooth one, and 14 per cent turned to IVF treatment.

Gwenda Burns, chief executive of the charity Fertility Network UK, said: “Whatever a couple’s experience of fertility issues, one thing they have in common is the need for support and advice on a practical and emotional level.

“One in six couples in the UK face issues with fertility."