If you’ve been trying to conceive or are still planning for pregnancy, you’ll know it’s not as easy as it looks in the movies. There are many facets to the picture, not to forget the old wives tales and armchair experts who’ll tell you what you should and shouldn’t do to increase your chances. Not many couples are aware which of these tales are true and which aren’t. So, we decided to help you out with these seven ways to maximize your chances of conceiving.
1. Lose A Few Pounds
If you’re overweight, it will take you twice as long to get pregnant than someone at their ideal weight. This is according to a study conducted where the BMIs of more than 2,000 women were considered. Women whose BMIs were between 25 and 39, or who were otherwise considered overweight or obese, experienced this problem.
2. Avoid Fertility Impairers
You need to give yourself every chance of conceiving, even if that means sacrificing a few of your favorite vices. Drinking too much coffee or alcohol can reduce your fertility. So, while you don’t need to cut it completely, it’s best to stay under 200 to 250 milligrams of caffeine per day — about 2 cups.
3. Ban Smoking
Smoking is one habit you should kick whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not. Not only does it affect your lungs and reduce their functionality, but it can also lead to cancer. Smoking can also reduce a man’s sperm count and affect a woman’s uterus.
4. Try Often
“Try and try until you succeed” is an old saying that is rather apt here too. The simple explanation is that the more times you have sex, the more likely you are to conceive. Doctors report that it can take a healthy couple up to a year to conceive, only after which there may be cause for concern. Sometimes issues crop up with pregnancy tests as well, so make sure you’re checking the right way.
5. Choose Your Moments
Doctors often refer to the “fertile window,” which is based on a woman’s ovulation cycle. She is most likely to conceive within three days of the day she’s ovulating. Make sure to track these times and take advantage.
6. Stay Calm
The more stressed you are, the fewer chances you have of conceiving. Unfortunately, because our lives are getting more complicated and active with every passing day, living without stress is almost impossible. Stress affects your body and reduces your hormone levels, leading to hormonal imbalance. Left undiagnosed, hormonal problems become a major stumbling block for your pregnancy aspirations.
7. Eat Healthy
The healthier your body is, the easier it is for you to conceive. This means eating right. This will take dedication and a significant effort, but the results will be worth it.
Everyone can seem a little anxious when it comes to pregnancy, and nobody wants to wait to have their own little bundle of joy once the decision has been made. However, some couples feel like giving up after a few unsuccessful tries. Hopefully, this article has helped shed some light on what can be done to improve your chances of conceiving naturally and help you fulfill your dream of starting a family. Are you trying to get pregnant? What is the biggest challenge you face?
ADDITIONAL SOURCES REFERENCED
via Collective - Evolution