7 Tips to Help You Conceive on the First Try
Making the decision to start a family is one of the most nerve-racking and exciting time in a couple’s life. The path to parenthood is a dream for many, and the journey to conception can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging one. If you’re eager to start your family and are exploring ways to enhance your fertility, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll share seven small yet impactful changes that have helped many on their path to parenthood. While everyone’s journey is unique, these simple adjustments aim to provide support and potentially boost your chances.
Whether you’re just starting or have been on this path for a while, we hope you find valuable insights here to help you on your fertility journey!
1. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins 3-6 Months Before Trying to Conceive
We know that prenatal vitamins play an important role in a healthy pregnancy, but did you know that you should actually be taking prenatal vitamins with Folic acid prior to pregnancy? While many vitamins like Iron are important all throughout pregnancy, Folic acid, the vitamin that reduces neural tube defects, becomes especially crucial in the very early stages.
This is because the neural tube, a critical structure in your baby’s development, closes within the first 4 weeks after conception. By taking these steps before conception, you’re not only nourishing your own well-being but also providing your future little one with the best possible start on the incredible journey of life.
2. Cut back on Caffeine
You may want to rethink that afternoon pick-me-up when trying to get pregnant. Several studies have linked excess caffeine intake with fertility challenges and potential complications during pregnancy. So if you are looking for natural ways to boost your fertility, considering a reduction in your caffeine intake could be a significant first step.
3. Quit Smoking
On average it takes smokers longer to conceive than it does non-smokers, so if you are trying for a family you might consider quitting smoking before getting pregnant. Male smokers have also been shown to have lower sperm counts.
Smoking not only prolongs the journey to conception but also elevates the risks of miscarriage. It can even make a woman’s eggs more susceptible to abnormalities.
4. Limit Alcohol
We’re all well aware of the risks associated with drinking during pregnancy, but what might surprise you is that evidence suggests that couples who abstain from alcohol altogether may also have an easier time getting pregnant.
Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels and potentially lower fertility. So if you are trying to cut back, a good time to start is before you even start trying to conceive.
5. Eat More Whole Foods
One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your fertility is through your diet. A diet high in trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars can negatively affect your chances of conception. By limiting the excess and focusing on eating more whole foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals you can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant on the first try! A wonderful diet to follow during this time is the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
6. Getting the Right Amount of Exercise
When it comes to exercise and fertility, balance is key. Striking the right equilibrium between physical activity and a healthy weight is essential for increasing your chances of conception. Surprisingly, fertility is a common concern even among athletes.
Their heightened exercise intensity, coupled with low body fat and hormonal changes, can impact their ability to conceive. On the other hand, being overweight can also lead to fertility issues in men and women. In women, the overproduction of insulin may cause irregular ovulation.
In men, excessive weight can result in lower testosterone levels and a decrease in sperm quality. It’s important to find a healthy balance when it comes to exercising for fertility.
7. Track Your Fertility
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re trying to conceive at the right times is by tracking your fertility. This simple yet powerful method involves charting your menstrual cycle, monitoring discharge, or taking your temperature every day.
By understanding and harnessing your body’s natural rhythms, you can significantly boost your chances of getting pregnant, making the journey to parenthood a more informed and precise one.