Frequently Asked Questions

On average it can take couples between 8 and 12 months to fall pregnant. However, if you've been trying for a while then it's always sensible to check out how many of the factors most commonly associated with difficulties conceiving may apply to you. Learn more here.

Maximising your chances of conception involves timing sex during your fertile window, supporting your health with good nutrition and lifestyle habits, managing stress, and considering evidence-based fertility supplements.

Egg quality is influenced by age, lifestyle, and nutrition. A balanced diet, reducing stress, good sleep, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol are all part of preparing for conception. Some nutrients also play a role. For example, Zinc and Vitamin E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

You may notice changes in cervical mucus (clear and stretchy like egg white), mild pelvic pain, increased libido, or a slight rise in body temperature. Ovulation typically occurs mid-cycle but varies from person to person.

CoQ10 is naturally present in our cells, where it is involved in energy production. Research into CoQ10 and fertility is ongoing, and many people choose to include it in their preconception routine.

We recommend starting at least three months before trying to conceive, as both egg and sperm take around 90 days to mature. This gives your body time to build up nutrient levels that support reproductive health.

Whilst there isn't a link between painful periods and fertility, the regularity of your cycles is one indication of your fertility.

If you have long cycles you are reducing your opportunities each month to get pregnant and if you have irregular cycles the chances are you're not ovulating. Having irregular cycles doesn't mean you can't get pregnant.

If you are having irregular cycles or painful periods we recommend consulting your GP.

If you're under 35 and haven't conceived after 12 months of trying, or over 35 after 6 months, it's a good time to speak to a specialist. We also recommend seeking advice sooner if you have irregular cycles or known conditions like PMOS (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Fertility gradually declines after 30 and more significantly after 35, as egg quantity and quality decrease. That's why nutritional support and early preparation are especially helpful if you're planning to conceive later in life.

It can take longer, and the risk of complications increases with age. However, many women conceive naturally in their late 30s and early 40s with the right support and preparation.

Supplements do not treat or manage PMOS (PCOS) itself. However, some nutrients can support your overall health while you are trying to conceive. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, and Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Both are included in our PMOS (PCOS) Support Pack, which contains all of the supplements we recommend for those with PMOS (PCOS).

Yes. Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis. A male fertility supplement can help top up these nutrients alongside a balanced diet.

Fertility supplements do not directly regulate your menstrual cycle in the way prescribed medication might. However, some nutrients play a role in reproductive health. Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. If your cycles are irregular, very long, very short or painful, it is best to speak to your GP or fertility specialist.

Many fertility supplements are designed to be comprehensive, but it's always best to check for overlapping ingredients. Zita West supplements are specifically formulated to be safe to take alongside one another. If you're unsure, book a free 1:1 product consultation to get tailored advice.

You're most fertile at the time of ovulation, this is when the egg is released from the ovaries. Depending on your cycle length this will occur at different times for everyone. Generally it occurs 12 to 16 days before your next period starts.

Sperm can live inside a woman's body for up to 5 days so having regular sex throughout your cycle can boost your chances of conception as the sperm will be ready to fertilise when the egg is released.

Men will continue to produce sperm throughout their life however, as they get older the quality of the sperm will decline. The quality of a man's semen will peak between the ages of 30 and 35. Diet, stress, alcohol, smoking and exercise can all affect the quality of sperm, so it is important a man is supporting his sperm health at least 3 months before trying.

Trying for a baby or going through fertility treatment can be a stressful time, however research does suggest that high stress may lower fertility chances.

Whilst stress is unavoidable, try and find ways that help you unwind and relax like reading a book, meditation or going for a walk. Try and avoid hot baths or hot tubs when trying for a baby as this may affect sperm quality and increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy.

Whilst the Ubiquinol has been extracted from yeast, it doesn't actually contain any. The only allergen in this product is soy.

DHA is certainly safe, and in fact recommended throughout pregnancy with any of our multivitamins.

Getting pregnant can require time, effort and commitment, and, more often than not, there will be obstacles along the way. But you'd be surprised how a few simple adjustments to your mindset and lifestyle could make it just that little bit easier.

We've written a blog post to give you your 10 step get pregnant faster plan. See this here.

Hormone balance is sensitive to body fat levels. Being significantly under or overweight can impact ovulation, sperm health, and overall fertility for both men and women.

The correct nutrient intake is vital to produce adequate sperm, ovulate or maintain pregnancy. In an ideal world we would get all of the nutrients we need from diet however, supplements can support nutritional intake. Everyone who is trying to conceive should be on a Folic Acid supplement (active form Folate) and Vitamin D, and those following a vegan diet should consider Vitamin B12 and Iron.

The best supplement for fertility is dependent on your diet, lifestyle, age and fertility goals and so can be unique from person to person.

However, for those just starting out, we would recommend Vitafem for women and Vitamen for men, to support all the nutritional requirements for preconception.

A standard multivitamin is usually designed for general daily nutrition. A fertility supplement is formulated around nutrients relevant to reproductive health, preconception, sperm health, pregnancy preparation or fertility treatment support. The right choice depends on your stage, diet, health history and whether you are already taking other supplements.

CoQ10 is a nutrient involved in cellular energy production. Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form of CoQ10. Some fertility supplements use Ubiquinol because it is a bioavailable form and is commonly discussed in relation to egg and sperm health, particularly in the preconception period.

Folic Acid is the synthetic form of Folate commonly used in supplements and food fortification. Methylfolate is an active form of Folate that the body can use directly. Folate is important before and during early pregnancy because it contributes to maternal tissue growth.

If you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, speak to your GP, endocrinologist or fertility clinic before starting new supplements. Some nutrients, including Iodine, may be relevant to thyroid health, but the right amount depends on your personal situation and existing treatment.

Some people with endometriosis choose fertility supplements to support their overall preconception nutrition, but supplements do not treat endometriosis itself. If you have endometriosis, are taking medication or are preparing for fertility treatment, speak to your GP or fertility specialist before starting a new supplement routine.

Many Zita West supplements are designed to support people preparing for fertility treatment, including IVF. However, if you are following a clinic protocol, taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition, check with your fertility clinic or healthcare professional before adding new supplements.

No. Fertility supplements do not guarantee pregnancy and should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or fertility treatment. They can help support nutritional intake and provide nutrients involved in reproductive health, but fertility is affected by many factors including age, ovulation, sperm health, medical history and lifestyle.

Both partners may benefit from reviewing their nutrition before trying to conceive. Egg and sperm development both happen over several weeks, so it can be helpful for women and men to start nutritional support around three months before trying for a baby or beginning fertility treatment.

If you are just starting to try for a baby, the best starting point is usually a foundation preconception supplement suited to your stage and sex. For women, Zita West Vitafem is designed to support preconception nutrition. For men, Vitamen supports key nutrients involved in normal fertility and reproduction. If you are unsure, book a free product consultation for personalised guidance.

IVF involves an initial consultation, starting treatment and embryo transfer. This timeline will vary between individuals and not everyone's IVF journey will look the same. Before you go through IVF you will have various appointments with doctors which can include tests and investigations, the time these tests and investigations take will vary between individuals.

IVF treatment involves suppressing natural hormone production, hormone treatment to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs, egg collection, mixing the eggs and sperm for fertilisation and finally, embryo transfer.

Generally one cycle of IVF will take between four and six weeks. It is important to discuss timelines with your GP or healthcare professional so you have a realistic timeframe.

IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a lab dish, while ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is often recommended for male fertility issues.

Most clinics recommend transferring one embryo to reduce the risk of multiples. In some cases, especially in older women or those with previous failed cycles, two embryos may be considered.

In a fresh cycle, transfer typically happens 3 to 5 days after egg collection. For frozen embryo transfers (FET), timing depends on your cycle and protocol but is often 2 to 3 weeks after starting medication.

Short, low-stress travel is usually fine after an embryo transfer, but it's best to avoid long-haul flights or strenuous activity until your pregnancy test. Always check with your clinic.

In many cases, FET has comparable, or even better, success rates than fresh transfers, especially when using high-quality embryos. FET also allows more time for the body to recover after stimulation. Learn more about the differences here.

There's no evidence that strict bed rest improves outcomes. Light activity like walking is fine. It's more important to stay relaxed and avoid intense physical exertion.

Factors include embryo quality, endometrial thickness, hormone levels, immune response, and lifestyle habits like smoking or stress. Good nutrition and a healthy routine are part of preparing your body for transfer.

Egg freezing is a method to help preserve a woman's egg reserve so she can increase her chances of getting pregnant at a later date. Egg freezing may be considered by those who have a medical condition which can affect their fertility, for those worried about fertility declining but not ready to have a child right now, if you are starting hormone therapy or reconstructive surgery if you are transitioning from male to female, or if you have eggs from IVF treatment.

Egg freezing is a method of preserving a woman's eggs so she can have a baby in the future. It involves collecting a woman's eggs, freezing them and thawing them at a later date for fertilisation.

There is no defined age you should freeze your eggs and it will depend between individuals and their situation. Egg freezing can be expensive so it is important to understand exactly what is involved.

The younger you freeze your eggs the more likely you will have a high number of eggs and they will be the highest quality. The number of eggs collected varies from person to person and is often lower for those with lower ovarian reserves. It is still possible to freeze your eggs later in life however, you need to be prepared you may harvest fewer eggs.

There is no evidence currently that IVF can cause menopause however, the hormones used during IVF can cause symptoms similar to those experienced in perimenopause and menopause.

Whilst you are able to breastfeed during IVF, you will generally increase your chances of pregnancy if you stop breastfeeding prior to IVF.

Guidelines for IVF suggest that the success rate is higher if your BMI is between 19 and 30. If your BMI is over 30 you may wish to focus on weight management before you start IVF to increase your chances. Remember that BMI is only one metric for fertility. Fertility is a whole body event, so it is important to look at diet, exercise, mindset and supplements to increase your chances.

During IVF treatment you will be on many different protocols and it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. We generally advise avoiding high intensity exercise during stimulation and choosing lighter, gentler movement instead. Always follow your clinic's advice.

You can also feel sore during IVF so you may feel more comfortable doing light exercise and gentle movements.

There are a number of small changes that you can make to ensure you're in the best position possible for IVF.

These include mindset, building your energy reserves through diet and nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.

From 28 weeks (third trimester) sleeping on your back can increase the risk of stillbirth. Therefore, from the third trimester you should sleep on your side. If you wake up on your back don't panic, just roll onto your side and continue to sleep.

Everyone's pregnancy journey will be different however most women experience cravings in the first trimester. Generally pregnancy cravings peak in your second trimester and reduce as you enter your third trimester.

All pregnant women should be taking a minimum of 400 micrograms of Folic Acid and 10 micrograms of Vitamin D as advised by the NHS. We recommend Folate, which is the bioavailable form.

There are also a number of important nutrients that women should either get from food or supplements including Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C and Omega-3.

Depending on your age, diet and lifestyle you may require extra supplements for extra support.

This will be different for all women however, generally your bump will become noticeable during your second trimester.

Exercising during pregnancy is completely safe and healthy, you can do a range of activities from running, swimming, cycling, weights, pilates and yoga. If you are new to any of the exercises make sure you start off slowly and gradually build yourself up. We have a guide for exercise for each trimester here.

Avoid contact sports where there is a risk of being hit or exercises where you could lose your balance and fall. If you do have any adverse symptoms or feel unwell when exercising we advise consulting your GP or midwife.

Not all women will experience Braxton Hicks, if you do they will generally be felt in the second or third trimester. They are caused when the womb contracts and relaxes and are completely normal.

It isn't fully understood why some women get them and others don't however, things like being very active, having a full bladder, having sex and being dehydrated may trigger them.

Zinc is an important nutrient during pregnancy, but total intake matters because it may come from both food and supplements. Avoid very high-dose supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional. If you are already taking a pregnancy multivitamin, check the label before adding extra Zinc.

Yes, the postnatal cream is fine to use during pregnancy, as well as, of course, postnatally.

We recommend Revital Essence and Vital DHA once you've had your baby to support your nutritional needs throughout this period and for breastfeeding.

The first three months of pregnancy are in many ways the most crucial stage of a baby's development, the time when all of his or her organs and systems are forming, as well as hands, feet, and limbs. It is now recognised that a mother's diet immediately before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy can influence the way that the embryo develops.

The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of Folic Acid until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Supplemental Folate intake increases maternal Folate status. Low maternal Folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. The beneficial effect is obtained with a supplemental Folate intake of 400 micrograms daily for at least one month before and up to three months after conception.

There are a number of additional beneficial vitamins and minerals that are required to help support you throughout pregnancy. We recommend Vital Essence 1, which has been formulated to support the nutritional needs for the first trimester, including 400µg Folate (the more readily absorbable form of Folic Acid).

We also recommend taking Vital DHA alongside this. DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for adults (250mg of DHA and EPA).

These, alongside other key nutrients can be found in our Newly Pregnant Trimester 1 Support Pack.

Nutrition is vital for a happy and healthy pregnancy for both the mother and the baby.

A balanced diet comes first. During pregnancy the NHS recommends Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements, and a pregnancy multivitamin can help top up your intake alongside your diet.

There are a number of key nutrients that are required throughout pregnancy, and especially in the second trimester. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones, and Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

There is no standard recommendation for how long you should take prenatal vitamins past the first trimester. However, taking a good quality supplement designed for the second trimester will not be harmful and could help support you and your growing baby.

Good nutrition is important for your baby's development and for your own health during the pregnancy.

We recommend taking Vital Essence 2, which is formulated to support your everyday diet. It includes 400µg of Folate, which contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, along with Zinc, Copper and Manganese, which contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Zinc also contributes to the normal process of cell division. Other ingredients include Beta-Carotene and Magnesium.

There are a number of other important nutrients that can support your second trimester. We recommend the Trimester 2 Support Pack, which contains Vital Essence 2, as well as other key vitamins and minerals to help best support you and your baby.

We recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins throughout the third trimester. This is because there are still a number of nutritional requirements for your growing baby during this period, and taking these can support a balanced diet in ensuring your reserves are not depleted which is important going into your 4th trimester.

Most of a baby's Calcium is deposited in this trimester as his or her bones and teeth harden. The foetus takes up Calcium at the rate of approximately 350mg a day during this stage of the pregnancy, and Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. There's plenty of Iron in Vital Essence 3, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the normal formation of red blood cells.

Vital Essence 3 also has good levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B3 and Choline, which contributes to normal lipid metabolism. All 30 nutrients in this supplement have been carefully selected for the role they play in the 3rd trimester.

Every persFirstly, ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients, we recommend taking Zita West Vital Essence 3. This supplement contains essential minerals and vitamins, as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

We also recommend Zita West Vital DHA, which contains Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) plus Zinc.

It is also important to remember to look after your mental health during the third trimester. While it is natural to feel excited and anxious at the same time, it is important to take time for yourself. A massage or a warm bath can also help you to relax. We recommend Zita West Back Ease Massage Oil, a rich blend of essential oils including jojoba oil which moisturises your skin without leaving an oily residue. We also recommend Zita West Preconditioning Down Under, a blend of natural plant oils for daily perineal massage from 34 weeks of pregnancy, to keep the skin soft and supple.on's fertility journey is different.

We recommend the following supplements at 5 weeks of pregnancy:

Vital Essence 1: a premium multivitamin containing all the vitamins and minerals recommended throughout this phase, including 400µg Folate (a more readily absorbable form of Folic Acid).

Vital DHA: DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for adults (250mg of DHA and EPA).

Vitamin D: the NHS recommends 10 micrograms of Vitamin D a day during pregnancy. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones.

Yes, you can take a multivitamin during early pregnancy. However, we recommend taking a trimester specific multivitamin, to ensure that you are not consuming too high a dose of Vitamin A.

Vital Essence 1 is a premium multivitamin containing all the vitamins and minerals recommended throughout this phase, including 400µg Folate (a more readily absorbable form of Folic Acid).

In the third trimester, your baby is growing faster than ever, which means you need to ensure that your diet is packed with quality nutrients during this period. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega-3 and more are required to support your growing baby.

Supporting your diet with additional vitamins in supplement form can help support you and your baby. However, we recommend taking a supplement formulated specifically for this trimester.

In the final phase of pregnancy, your child will grow faster than ever. The remaining weeks are vitally important for achieving full development.

Ensuring that your nutrient reserves are not depleted can help support both you and your baby in the final weeks of pregnancy.

It is best to sleep on your side rather than your back when you are pregnant as the weight of your bump may put pressure on your back, and keep either one or both knees bent. If you can, consider using a pregnancy support pillow, this will give you support between your legs, under your abdomen and behind your back.

Massage is a great way to alleviate back pain during pregnancy. While you are lying on your side, get someone to rub their palms along your back on either side of your spine. They should be able to feel for areas that are particularly tight, or you can vocalise what points feel more painful. Gently focus on those areas with the base of your hands or your thumbs, working up and down. They can also gently press in with their fists along your lower back.

Why not try the Zita West Back Ease Massage Oil, our rich blend of essential oils including jojoba oil which moisturises your skin without leaving an oily residue.

Yes. We offer free standard delivery on all UK orders over £60. Orders under £60 are charged at £4.95. You can see all available delivery options and charges at checkout before you place your order.

UK orders are usually dispatched within 24 hours of being placed. Once dispatched, standard delivery typically takes 1 to 3 working days.

Yes, we ship to many countries worldwide, including the EU, USA, Canada, and further afield. International delivery timescales and charges vary by destination and are shown at checkout. EU customers should be aware that some orders may be subject to additional customs checks, which can occasionally cause delays. For any queries about international delivery, contact our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk.

Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking details so you can follow its progress.

We process orders quickly, so we cannot guarantee changes or cancellations once an order has been placed. If you need to amend your order, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400 and we will do our best to help.

If your order has not arrived within the expected timeframe, please first check your tracking information using the link in your dispatch confirmation email. If you are still unable to locate your parcel, contact our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk and we will investigate on your behalf.

Yes. All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no reference to Zita West on the outside. The only brand reference is on the packing slip included inside the parcel.

When you subscribe to any eligible product, you save 15% on every order. Subscriptions are managed through your account, where you can update your delivery frequency, swap products, or cancel at any time. Subscribing is a convenient way to maintain a consistent supplement routine, which matters when you are supporting your fertility or pregnancy over a three-month period or longer.

You can manage your subscription by logging into your Zita West account and selecting Subscriptions. From there you can update your next delivery date, delay an upcoming order, swap the product on your subscription, or cancel at any time. If you need a hand with any of these, get in touch with our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400 and we will be happy to help.

Yes. If your needs change during your fertility or pregnancy journey, you can swap to a different product by logging into your Zita West account, going to Subscriptions, selecting the subscription you want to update, and choosing the swap product option. If you are unsure which product to move to, our team can help you work out the best fit. Contact us at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400.

Yes. In addition to the subscription discount, you can save when buying product bundles, or mix and match three or more individual supplements for a 10% saving. New customers can also receive 15% off their first order by signing up to our mailing list. Current offers are always shown on the website.

Zita West supplements are manufactured in the UK, in facilities that meet strict quality and safety standards. UK manufacturing means we have close oversight of the production process from start to finish, and every batch is made to the same consistent specification.

Yes. Our supplements undergo independent third-party testing, and batch certificates are available on our website so you can check the quality and purity of every batch we produce. We believe that transparency around testing is part of what it means to be a supplement brand you can trust.

Our formulations are developed drawing on decades of clinical experience supporting women and men through fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive health. We use high-quality, bioavailable forms of nutrients where the evidence supports it, and our range is continually refined in response to clinical feedback and the latest research. The result is a specialist range of reproductive supplements, designed to work as a considered stack tailored to your stage, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

As a general rule, supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Always check the storage guidance printed on your individual product label, as specific recommendations may vary.

We recommend keeping your supplements in their original packaging rather than transferring them to a pill organiser or separate container. The original packaging is specifically designed to protect the product and helps keep out moisture and light.

Allergen information varies by product. Always check the individual product label and product page for the most accurate allergen information. If you have a known allergy or intolerance, speak to a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.

Suitability varies by product. Some Zita West supplements may be suitable for vegetarians or vegans, while others may contain ingredients such as fish oil, gelatine or other non-vegan components. Always check the individual product page and label before purchasing.