Learn How to Increase Your Chance Of Getting Pregnant.
Do you ever wonder how much control we have over conception and pregnancy? Although we may not be able to change our genetic makeup or change our history, we can most optimise our chances of falling pregnant by living a holistic lifestyle.
Eat Well – Research has shown that eating unprocessed wholesome food including fish, eggs, meat, vegetables and fruits, seeds, nuts and legumes are beneficial for fertility. Eat organic if possible. Where eating a large variety of natural foods is not always possible, supplements can be considered. Folic acid, vitamins A, B, C and D, Deep Sea Omega-3 Fish oil, bee pollen, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iodine are some of the important elements for nutrition. Avoid trans fatty acids, processed grains and excessive sugar.
Reduce Caffeine – Caffeine is associated with infertility, miscarriage and slowing down sperms movement. Limit your coffee intake to one cup per week if possible and tea intake to three times a week. Substitute with decaffeinated coffee and herbal tea.
Reduce Alcohol – Alcohol decreases conception rates and the chance of a live childbirth and increases the chances of miscarriage. Avoid it altogether.
Stop Smoking – Cigarettes smokers are more likely to be infertile or at least take longer to conceive. Smoking can cause birth defects and damage to sperm DNA. It can also lead to leukaemia in the child and early menopause in women. It is recommended that couples stop smoking for a length of time before they try to fall pregnant.
Superfoods – Royal jelly, eggs, pollen, seeds, nuts, Chinese herbal tonics, brains, kidneys, seaweed, algae and oats are great as a reproductive nutrition.
7 to 8 Hours Sleep – Do not underestimate the simple blessing of adequate sleep. Studies have shown that the optimal amount of time is 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep. Sleep is closely associated with our hormonal levels, stress, body weight, metabolism and growth. The optimal time to go to sleep in order to make the most of our natural body clock is before 11 pm.
Healthy weight – Studies have shown that obesity is a factor contributing to infertility and losing weight increases the chances of falling pregnant. This is especially true when the weight gain is the result of hormonal imbalance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Undernourished women or high-performing lean, athletic women may have a lower chance of falling pregnant. Their bodies don’t have the required nutrients such as fatty tissues to support the process of fertility. Balance is the key here.
Reduce Toxicity – Radiation, pesticides, insecticides, heavy metals, and chemicals in household cleaners, plastics and can food all contribute to infertility. It is best to avoid BPA, DDT, DES, dioxin, PCB, phthalates and phytoestrogens. These toxins can cause havoc to your hormonal levels. Use glass containers. Do not heat foods and liquids in plastic containers. Use “green” cleaning supplies.
Reduce Stress – Last but not least, stress is an important factor in our ability to conceive. Our bodies are naturally designed to suppress reproductive functions during stressful times such as wartime when conditions are not ideal for conception. In our modern fast paced culture, many people are chronically dealing with stress. Stress affects our hormonal balance, which in turn affects the sexual hormones, ovulation and sperm count.
Here are suggestions of ways to how to increase your chance of getting pregnant;
- Don’t sweat the small stuff
- Deep breathing
- Meditative exercises such as Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga
- Prayer
- Walk to a beach or a lake, watch the sunset, go bird watching
- Acupuncture
- Count blessings
- Love and forgive
Please share other lifestyle tips have you found to be helpful to increase the chance of pregnancy?
