If you’re planning on getting pregnant this year, this is a good time to stop and take check of where things are at with your body and your health. It’s also helpful to be aware of how much your lifestyle influences or affects your fertility chances.
If you’re 35 years or older, the sooner you get onto it, the better your chances will be of getting pregnant.
If you have been trying for a baby and have not been successful after 12 months, you may need some help. In the meantime, here are some tips for making sure you’re giving yourself the best shot if you are starting out on this new journey.
Diet | Healthy, whole foods can have a significant impact on your chances of conceiving – and maintaining a balanced weight will make you feel great along the way. Eat the rainbow for egg happy and sperm-boosting antioxidants: berries, green leafy vegetables, carrots; be sure to get plenty of good fats from avocados, olive oil, and salmon, and round out your diet with lean protein and whole grains.
Coffee | As much as we hate to admit it, caffeine is a drug, and can reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron, a key mineral for healthy conception. You can still enjoy coffee in small quantities, but we would recommend trying to stick to one per day.
Alcohol | We all know that alcohol during pregnancy isn’t recommended, but studies show its effects are significant, before conception as well as afterwards – damaging both sperm and egg. Replace your rosé this summer with sparkling mineral water spiked with fruit or cinnamon sticks to help make reducing your intake a little easier.
Smoking | If you’re a smoker, now is the time to quit. Smoking harms both egg and sperm, wreaks havoc on your hormones, and damages DNA. Your chances of conception will go up by 40% once you’ve kicked the habit, and your body will thank you. And so will your families health, long term.
Exercise | Keeping your heart rate up will boost your overall well-being, and keep your body strong and healthy. If you are new to exercise, choose lower-impact activities that keep you moving without triggering a stress response. Think yoga, pilates, and brisk walking.
Stress | Be kind to yourself: stress saps our bodies’ resources and can have a serious impact on fertility. Mindfulness is a helpful tool to pull you back to the present when it all feels a bit much – apps like Headspace provide short, guided meditations and are a great place to start.
Having an expert to talk to can be invaluable – Book a free 15 minute phone consultation with a Repromed fertility specialist to learn more about your options. We’re here to help you reach your goal of having a baby.
