Trying to Conceive Without Success? Stop Doing These 10 Things
Starting a family is something many couples dream of one day being able to do. When the time is right, some can get pregnant right away, some must-try for a few months before being successful, and many others struggle with becoming pregnant. For those that struggle, there are a few things to consider while they are trying to conceive. Below is a closer look at ten different things to give up when you are trying to get pregnant.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is an unhealthy habit many people have, as it increases your risk of lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Besides it being harmful to your overall health, smoking decreases the chances of conception. At MCRM Fertility , physicians explain that smoking speeds up the aging process of the woman’s eggs and can cause menopause and infertility.
Don’t Wait Too Long
If you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, you should see a doctor. There is no shame in fertility treatments when trying to conceive. Fertility testing may give you a closer look into any issues you and your partner may be experiencing, as well as options to correct those issues. Once problems are determined, your doctor can give you a realistic timeline of how long you can try to conceive without looking into other fertility treatments.
Too Much Caffeine
No one is saying that you must cut out caffeine from your diet entirely, but consider reducing the amount of caffeine you get in per day. Research on this does vary, but to be on the safe side, try not to drink more than two regular-sized cups of coffee per day. Drinking too many caffeinated beverages leads to decreased fertility. Once you become pregnant, it is advised not to drink more than two cups of coffee per day (200 mg), as too much caffeine may increase the risk of a miscarriage.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
When you are trying to get pregnant, consider limiting the amount of alcohol consumed. Research shows that drinking more than two drinks in a day decreases fertility and increases the time it takes for two people to get pregnant. When you are trying to conceive, drink alcohol on occasion, and once becoming pregnant, you have to avoid it completely.
Stop Being Lazy
The American Heart Association advises that adults exercise three to four times a week, with a minimum of a half-hour each time. Women who regularly exercise have higher chances to conceive more quickly than women that do not exercise. On the other hand, too much exercise is not recommended for a woman that is looking to conceive. Small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car farther from the store, make a difference each day. To make exercise a bit more fun, find one that excites you, rather than having the feeling you must do it.
Stop Stressing Over It
Studies show a direct relationship with high-stress levels and infertility. Many situations cause stress in everyday life, and some stress is normal and healthy. However, adding more stress on top of the everyday normal stress is not recommended, especially as you are trying to conceive. As difficult as it may sound, try not to stress over it.
Avoid Too Much Junk Food
Eating too much junk food is never good for you, especially when you are trying to get pregnant. A diet that is rich in iron from vegetables and supplements lowers the risk of infertility. Spinach is an excellent vegetable that is high in iron. Speak with your primary physician about various ways to introduce more iron to your diet, as well as cutting out junk food.
Avoid Certain Fish
Although consuming fish is considered a healthy option when it comes to your protein intake, there are some types of fish that have high amounts of mercury and should be avoided. Mercury, if consumed in high amounts, can harm the baby’s brain as it is developing and reduce your chances of staying pregnant. Because of this, it is best to stay away from types of fish that have high levels of mercury. Such fish include swordfish, orange roughy, shark, ahi tuna, and king mackerel.
Avoid Certain Lubricants
Many couples use lubrication when engaging in sex, and that is still okay to do when trying to conceive. However, it is essential to know the kind of lubrication you are using and that it is safe. Some brands can have adverse effects on sperm and their motility. Not much research has provided concrete evidence, but to be on the safe side, stick to brands such as Conceive Plus or Pre-Seed.
Avoid Using Household Products With BPA
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical that is found in many household products. It is termed as an “endocrine-disrupting chemical.” This means that it can interfere with the body’s hormone function, including those that are present in your reproductive system. Research has shown that infertile women have higher levels of BPA in their blood than fertile women. Not only that, but higher levels of BPA can reduce the success rates of fertility treatments.
To avoid or reduce BPA consumption, choose fresh or frozen foods instead of processed and packaged food items. Pick food items stored in glass jars instead of cans. At home, store leftover items in glassware instead of plastic Tupperware containers. When drinking water, pick a glass or stainless steel over plastic water bottles.
Starting a family is a wonderful time for a couple, but it can also be a difficult time. Don’t let the stress of trying to get pregnant consume you. If you and your partner are having a difficult time, consult your doctor. The medical experts can then refer you to a fertility clinic that will assist in determining the issues that may be affecting your chances of getting pregnant. They will then talk to you about the various treatment plans available and work with you to improve your chances of getting pregnant and starting that family you have been wanting.
Very interesting topic on how to take care of the conceive mother and eat healthy foods that is very important during pregnancy.