Dos and Don’ts for Getting Pregnant

Introduction

Dos and don’ts to maximize your chances of getting pregnant and ensure a healthy start.

Every parent wants a happy and healthy baby. So couples should know what will affect their fertility and baby health. The lifelong health of a baby depends on your health before pregnancy. When trying to conceive, certain lifestyle changes and habits can improve your chances of pregnancy.

List of dos and don’ts for getting pregnant

Dos When Trying to Get Pregnant

• Use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), basal body temperature (BBT) tracking, or fertility apps to determine your fertile window. Knowing when you ovulate helps time intercourse for the best chance of conception.
• Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can improve egg and sperm quality.
• Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (400-800 mcg) at least one month before trying to conceive. Folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in the baby.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress. High stress levels can impact hormone balance and fertility.
• Engage in moderate exercise, like walking, swimming, or yoga, to improve overall health and reduce stress. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, which is important for fertility.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports overall health and helps maintain cervical mucus, which is important for sperm transport.
• Aim for a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can affect hormone levels and ovulation. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Good sleep supports hormone regulation, which is crucial for fertility. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Visit your healthcare provider for a preconception check-up. They can assess your overall health, review your medical history, and ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Encourage your partner to adopt healthy habits, as male fertility is just as important. This includes eating well, exercising, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol.

Don’t When Trying to Get Pregnant

• Don’t Smoke, Smoking can affect both male and female fertility, reducing the quality of eggs and sperm. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy.
• Don’t overdo Caffeine
• Don’t Consume Excessive Alcohol
• Don’t Do over-Exercise
• Don’t Ignore your mental health, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, seek support from a mental health professional.
• Don’t Use lubricants that harm Sperm lubricants can reduce sperm mobility. Look for sperm-friendly lubricants or avoid using lubricants altogether.
• Don’t forget to Time Intercourse, Timing intercourse around ovulation is key. Have sex every other day during the fertile window (the days leading up to and including ovulation)
• Don’t Douch it can upset the natural pH balance of the vagina, which may affect sperm survival and increase the risk of infection.
• Don’t Stress About It Too Much
• Avoid Environmental Toxins: Limit exposure to pesticides, chemicals, and pollutants, as they may negatively affect fertility for both men and women.
• Don’t Engage in Excessive Exercise, excessive or intense workouts can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation
• Stay away from recreational drugs, which can harm fertility and increase the risk of complications.

Tips for men

Eat a balanced diet and stay healthy, as poor nutrition can affect sperm quality.

Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tight clothing that can raise the temperature of the testes and reduce sperm production.

Limit alcohol and stop smoking, as both can reduce sperm count and quality.

If you’re under 35 and have been trying for a year without success, or over 35 and trying for six months, see a fertility specialist for help.