There are several simple changes you can make in your life to boost your chances of falling pregnant and protect the long-term health of your baby. In fact, your health before pregnancy can have a significant impact on your baby’s wellbeing.
Here are some of our recommendations that may improve your chances of conceiving:
- Stop smoking
Smoking affects fertility and this is true for both men and women. If you are a non-smoker, you have a greater chance of conceiving and carrying a baby to term. If you are a smoker, quitting will drastically improve your chances of conceiving. During pregnancy smoking is a risk factor for complications, so it is highly recommended that you quit smoking before falling pregnant.
- Take folic acid
Folic acid can help build up your body to provide maximum protection for your baby against neural tube effects. Many women start taking folic acid two months before they stop contraception. Health professionals recommended that you take at least 400mcg folic acid daily in your first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Eat healthy foods
You can also improve your fertility by eating nutritious food and having a balanced diet. The best foods include unsaturated fats, wholegrains and vegetable proteins like beans and lentils.
- Reduce caffeine intake
Consuming too much coffee or any other food or beverages with caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage. While trying to conceive, it is also recommended that your partner limits his caffeine intake to at least 200mg a day.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
For most women the ideal BMI (Body Mass Index) prior to conception should be 18.5 to 24.9. Having a high BMI may reduce your fertility and could also increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy. Being overweight may also contribute to fertility problems in men. Therefore, it is vital that both you and your partner maintain an ideal BMI.
- Acupuncture for fertility
Acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms of several medical conditions that may affect fertility. In fact, it can also be used to help relieve some of the side effects that may be associated with fertility medications, including nausea and bloating.
Acupuncture may help to promote relaxation, which is important for couples trying to conceive. Stress can have a drastic impact on your overall health, and this includes your reproductive health.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for fertility, it is essential that you only choose a licensed and qualified practitioner. Speak with your local acupuncturist about their qualifications and experience with treating infertility. Be sure to discuss your expectations so you can decide whether acupuncture is the best alternative therapy for you.
Many women are advised to start their acupuncture therapy three months before they start medicinal fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. Acupuncture can be beneficial when combined with other mainstream fertility methods.
Overall, the tips discussed in this article may help improve your fertility and boost your chances of falling pregnant.