Improve your chances of conceiving
By both you and your partner taking a good look at your lifestyle, and being prepared to make some positive changes, you can dramatically increase your chances of conceiving.
Conception Tips: Points to be taken care for conceiving :
Watch what you eat every day
To maximise your chances of getting pregnant, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. For more information on which foods to enjoy freely and which to try and avoid, see Exercise and Nutrition.
Watch your weight
If you’re overweight or very underweight (i.e. have a body mass index, BMI, of more than 29 or less than 19) you’re less likely to be able to conceive so easily. It’s best to see your doctor if you, or your partner, are overweight so you can get advice on the best and safest way to lose it. Usually, eating the right kind of food and reducing the amount you eat, will help.
Be active
Regular, moderate exercise of around 30 minutes a day will help to improve and maximise your fitness and keep you at a good weight. It will also boost your endorphin levels, the body’s own ‘happy hormones’.
Drink wisely
The government recently advised women trying to conceive to avoid alcohol completely. Men should drink no more than two to three units a week.
Don’t smoke
Smoking has been associated with infertility and early menopause in women, as well as sperm problems in men. It also reduces the success of fertility treatment.
Keep cool
For optimum sperm production, the testicles need to be a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the body. Men should therefore avoid tight underwear and jeans, cycling and excessively hot baths and saunas. We also recommend a cold shower around the testicles for few seconds each day.
Think about your job
Occupations that involve sitting for long periods, such as long-distance lorry driving or exposure to environmental chemicals may affect sperm quality.
Manage stress
We all have different stress thresholds and there is now growing evidence that being stressed can affect your chances of conceiving. The body interprets physiological stressors, such as lack of sleep and intensive athletic training, in the same way as psychological stress due to excessive anxiety, bereavement or divorce for example. The stress can sometimes upset your mental health and can disturb your normal bodily functions. So, trying to identify and reduce the things that cause your stress, are a good idea.
Take folic acid
All women trying for a baby should take a supplement of 400mcg of folic acid a day to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
Check drugs
Certain prescription drugs can reduce the chances of conception, so make your doctor aware that you’re trying for a baby.