If you are looking to be pregnant, you should know that there are a few lifestyle and dietary habits that can make or break your chances of conceiving naturally. Read on as we present 10 tips to you so you can improve your fertility to sustain a pregnancy.

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Drink plenty of Water

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As important as it is to keep our body hydrated, drinking water also improves the quality of cervical fluid. Your kidneys would also effortlessly flush out toxins and will thank you. 

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Avoid alcohol

Let’s cut some slack for your liver as well by completely avoiding drinking alcohol when you are trying to conceive. Don’t even think about sipping on that aqua vitae, leave those thoughts alone and drink some juice instead. 

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Caffeine

This one can be a little tricky, but have no more than 4 cups of instant coffee, 3 cups of fresh, or 6 cups of tea per day. Caffeine is known to constrict blood vessels, reducing the flow to the uterus which can restrict the baby’s growth. Remember, no more than 300 mg per day. 

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Smoking

This reduces sperm count and increases abnormalities in sperm cells. Women reduce their chance of conceiving by 40% if they smoke. 

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Work out

We don’t want back pain, piles, and swollen ankles while we are pregnant, do we? The good news is women who exercise regularly experience fewer side effects than women who don’t. A fit and healthy body can cope with birth better. Also, ensure to not overdo it.

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Stress less

Leave worry out of the equation, your body does react to stress and it could affect your chance of conceiving as well. Just relax and enjoy the process.

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Don’t forget your supplements

Supplements such as Folic acid,  l-arginine vitamin D and Vitamin B12 are formulated for women who are trying to conceive. These are meant to be taken before and while trying to conceive. 

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The intercourse

Trying having sex as often as you can, at least 3 times a week. 

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After sex activity

Lie down on your back for a few minutes to increase the chance of the sperm cells meeting the awaiting egg for fertilization. 

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Get checked for inflammations

Pelvis inflammatory Disease is one of the most common infections that causes infertility in women. Also, ensure to get other forms of infections checked as well. 

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Now that being said, here are a few other things to remember

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1. Medications

Ask your physician about the medication you are taking and if it can get in the way of you trying to conceive. Some medications deprive you of the B category of vitamins. Make sure to get those checked to have a sustainable pregnancy.  

2. Ovulation calendar

Track your cycles and make a note of everything, especially your fertile window. With this, you’d know the best time for intercourse that could ensure the maximum chance of pregnancy. 

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3. Diet

DO NOT go for any sort of crash diet. What you eat during trying to conceive will affect nutrition for you and your baby post conceiving. 

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4. Acceptance

Even if you do everything right, conceiving is just a numbers game. At any given cycle, there is only 25-30% chance of conceiving. It takes time and patience. Give yourself a year before trying to seek professional help.

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So, there you have it, some things to keep in mind while you are trying to conceive, also maximise the chance while you are at it. Happy conception!

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References

• Fertility Network UK. (n.d.). CONCEPTION TIPS. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/fertility-faqs/factors-affecting-fertility/lifestyle-fertility/conception-tips/
• McEwen, K. (2022). Trying to conceive. British Journal of Midwifery, 30(9), 488-489.
• Belski, R., & Forsyth, A. (2020). Preconception. In Food & Nutrition Throughout Life (pp. 71-79). Routledge.

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