While most people understand the logistics and mechanics of making a baby, many people underestimate the importance of developing a healthy preconception lifestyle.
Making a few small upgrades to your daily habits can actually improve your chances of getting pregnant as well as help you achieve optimal health in general. Here are our top lifestyle tips for when you are trying to conceive (TTC):
1) Consume a Nutrient-Enriched Diet
Eating healthy helps prep your body for pregnancy while also improving your overall reproductive health. Skip processed foods such as pre-packaged snacks and fast-food, and opt instead for fresh vegetables, lean proteins, whole-grain foods, and healthy fats. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
2) Engage in Moderate Physical Activity
Regular exercise can not only help you achieve or maintain a healthier BMI but it can also help correct some hormonal imbalances. However, it’s important to not exercise too much or too strenuously. Some studies suggest that intense exercise can actually trick the body into entering a stress-induced state, which can inhibit a woman’s ability to conceive. Instead, focus on moderate exercise routines, such as walking or yoga.
3) Reduce Stress
Speaking of stress, it’s important to try to limit stress in your life as much as possible when you are TTC. When we experience stress, our bodies become flooded with hormones that trigger our “fight or flight” responses. Our reproductive systems interpret such signals as meaning that it’s not a good time to get pregnant. Reduce your stress by incorporating techniques such as meditation into your self-care routine. If necessary, consider talking to a mental health professional to help you cope with stress.
4) Reduce or Quit Certain Habits
Some habits are well known for having a documented negative impact on fertility health. These habits include smoking, excessive drinking, and drug use. All of these habits can cause damage to your reproductive system, tamper with your hormones, or interfere with your ovulation. When TTC, it’s best to cut them out altogether. Other habits, such as drinking coffee, aren’t terrible for TTC, but consumption may still need to be reduced in order to optimize your chances of getting pregnant.
5) Stay Up to Date With Your Gynecological Health
As soon as you decide to TTC, it’s important to talk about it with your gynecologist. Your gynecologist can help you come up with a plan for getting your body ready for pregnancy and help you maintain optimal reproductive health. They can also give you tips on how to track your peak fertility times, which is an important aspect of TTC.
Learn More
The decision to have a family is enormously important and exciting. Making a few lifestyle enhancements can help increase your chances of getting pregnant sooner rather than later. For more lifestyle tips for when you’re trying to conceive, please contact Pacific Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group.
