Research-backed
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People’s way of living have significantly changed over the last few decades, thanks to our sedentary work environment. Our increased reliance on a plethora of processed and junk foods is one other facet that most of us are trying to bring under control. Add increased stress into the picture, and it is no surprise that many of us are struggling with fertility issues, among other health problems.
When it comes to females, an increasing number of women are finding it hard to conceive these days. While you should definitely consult an OB/GYN in such a scenario, most of us can improve our chances of getting pregnant if we become more mindful of our lifestyle. Having said that, following a healthy lifestyle is best for every wannabe mom out there, regardless of whether you have trouble conceiving or not. Below, we have listed out the best tips that one needs to follow when trying to get pregnant.
1. Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
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This one is the most obvious. Maintaining your body weight is one of the most important tips if you want to get pregnant. Being overweight or underweight can significantly lower your chances of conceiving. This is because it causes hormone imbalance which in turn affects your menstrual cycle. So make sure you take care of your body weight during this period. You could try to lose weight if you are overweight or gain some if you are underweight. However, it is important that you opt for healthy and sustainable ways to achieve these goals. Eat healthy and make sure to engage in some form of physical activity. However, you do not want to fall for those instant weight loss programs as they do more harm than good for your body.
2. Try Not To Be Stressful
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Although it might not be that obvious, stress is one of the most crucial factors that affect your chances of conceiving. Increased stress affects your body in a variety of ways. This includes hormonal imbalance, menstrual cycle, sleep loss, weight gain or loss, and overall health of your body. So it is imperative that you find ways to reduce any kind of stress that you have been experiencing. There are a number of different ways that you can do this. Practicing yoga, working out, listening to music, and going for a walk are a few ways that can help you chill. You could also look up a variety of breathing exercises that help calm your mind at times of stress.
3. Check Your Iron Levels
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An increasing number of women have been found to have iron deficiency. Inadequate levels of iron in your body can cause anemia, which in turn affects the chances of conceiving (1). So it is crucial to get your iron levels checked if you wish to conceive. If you have iron deficiency, discuss with your OB/GYN on how you can improve your iron levels. You could take iron supplements to boost up your iron levels provided your doctor recommends it. You could also include a variety of iron-rich foods into your diet, such as lentils, kidney beans, soybeans, and raisins.
4. Avoid Alcohol And Smoking
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If you are a fan of alcohol, it is better that you stay away from grabbing that glass of wine when you are trying to get pregnant. Although any solid association between having alcohol and chances of pregnancy has not been documented yet, it is always a sensible thing to do (2). Just to be on the safer side! However, quitting smoking has been found to increase fertility and improve your chances of conceiving. Cigarettes contain carcinogens and other substances that, in addition to being toxic for your body, can also significantly affect your fertility (3). So make sure you stay away from cigarettes while trying to get pregnant.
5. Supplementing On Prenatal Vitamins
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It is crucial to stay healthy when you are looking to get pregnant. While you need to consume a variety of nutritious, rich foods, you may still miss out on certain vitamins that are necessary. Taking prenatal vitamins can help ensure that you are healthy enough to conceive (4). However, it is important that you consult with your doctor first and get their approval.
Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous periods in a woman’s life. Make sure you follow these tips to successfully start your family planning. Let us know in the comment section below what other tips you’ve followed to ensure a successful pregnancy.
