5 Ways to Increase Your Odds of Becoming Pregnant

Lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on boosting fertility in women and men. Along with lifestyle factors, many other factors affect fertility. But, you can adjust some lifestyle factors and increase the odds of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Changing one’s way of life can be difficult. It’s easy to become upset and lose hope before you even get started. Remember every effort you make to adopt a healthy habit matter, especially when trying to conceive.

Here are some lifestyle habits that can boost fertility if modified:

• Don’t Skimp on Sleep
• Avoid Alcohol Consumption
• Stop Smoking
• Work Out Regularly
• Eat Healthy

#1- Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Sleep is pretty essential since it affects our lives in every aspect. When you do not sleep sufficiently, nor you will be able to work, neither will you have an active mind-set. Beyond that, lack of sleep can cause health problems too. Poor sleeping habits may lead to weight gain, which, in turn, leads to ovulation and female infertility concerns. Moreover, excess weight can also impact sperm health, leading to male infertility.

When you’re trying to conceive, look for what is not letting you sleep. Also, maintain a good sleep schedule by:

• Trying to sleep and wake up early
• Keeping all electronics like mobile phones, laptops etc., away from your sight.
• Keeping your bedroom environment peaceful
• Avoid taking heavy meals right before your sleep

#2- Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Experts suggest that it’s good to avoid consuming alcohol when you’re trying to get pregnant. CDC recommends avoiding alcohol because there isn’t any safe amount of alcohol consumption while pregnant, and most people do not know if they are pregnant until some weeks. Studies suggest there is a link between decreased fertility and drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce ovarian reserves in women and the sperm count & semen volume in men.

Alcohol addiction is easier to tackle before becoming pregnant. If you find yourself drinking quite often than you would prefer, or if drinking has become a concern for you, you should take support. Sparkling water or mock tails could be a perfect substitute for something fancy or fizzy.

#3- Stop Smoking

We all know smoking is not good for the body. Smoking can increase your risk of infertility, cancer, bronchitis, COPD, heart attack, stroke, heart diseases, emphysema and so on. When you are trying to get pregnant, the partners should abstain from smoking because it affects the fertility in both – male reproductive organs and female reproductive organs. Not just that, passive smoking can also be harmful while conceiving. Also, passive smoking can be hazardous to pregnant women. People exposed to elevated levels of tobacco smoke are more likely to have a miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancy. Regular smoking can increase your risk of

• Infertility
• Insufficient sperm function
• Difficulty with in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Ectopic pregnancy

Smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medication, and individual and group behavioural support have been shown to help people who want to quit smoking. It is preferable to stop smoking before becoming pregnant, just as it is with alcohol.

#4- Work Out Regularly

It’s no surprise that exercise is great for your heart, lungs and immune system and is quite helpful for people with excess weight. Regular exercising raises the odds of getting pregnant in one menstrual cycle. A systematic review discovered that those who exercised for more than 60 minutes per day had a more elevated chance of anovulation (lack of ovulation). Exercising that lasts 30 to 60 minutes per day reduces the risk of infertility caused by anovulation. So, it appears that balance is the key to exercise and fertility.

Moderate physical exercise causes a positive impact on fertility in both men and women, especially those who are obese. The tactic is to practise moderation. Excessive high-intensity exercise can decrease fertility in some women, so make sure you don’t get involved in a high-intensity workout when trying to conceive.

Read: Should You Exercise When Trying to Get Pregnant?

#5- Eat Healthy

As always said, you are what you eat, and when planning to get pregnant – your to-be-baby will also be what you eat. So, it’s best to make some healthy food changes in your diet. Avoid eating junk food and overindulging in sweets – precisely, foods high in fat and sugar. You should eat right, which means having foods like vegetables, grains, fruits, proteins and dairy. Along with eating healthy, you should also drink plenty of fluids that are good for you and the baby.

Making dietary changes while you’re still trying to conceive will clear the way for a smoother pregnancy diet once you’re pregnant, as well as help you maintain a healthy weight.

Put in efforts to make some healthier changes in your life while you try to conceive. While you have made up your mind to start a family, the best thing is to have a word with a fertility specialist. Going through a pre-conception check-up is essential so that your doctor knows there are no issues that can impact your pregnancy.

Get your pre-conception check-up done at Banker IVF. Under the expert guidance of Dr Manish Banker, you can carry a full-term pregnancy easily and get your fertility concerns resolved if any.

You may like to read on Causes of Male Infertility and Female Infertility