Research-backed
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When a couple decides to have a baby, they are ready to give in their all to make it happen. And, in today’s time, with all the modern technology, it seems like it is bound to happen regardless. But, there are many natural ways too, which not only help the fertility but also ensure the little one’s well-being in the future.
Of course, when we are younger, we romanticize the idea of giving birth to a child. But, as we take the decision to have a baby, we realize that it can be a challenge. And, it is not as easy as we thought it to be. Many couples have to resort to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to fulfill their dream of getting pregnant. Yes, there is no doubt that IVF has wonderfully gifted many couples with children. And, it is also known as a safe process. But, there are many words of caution out there too. A professor from the University of Newcastle, John Aitken, has spoken about how if there is more number of assisted pregnancies in one generation, it may result in a bigger necessity in the next generation (1).
So, it is always better to explore the possibility of making lifestyle changes that can positively influence your chances of natural pregnancy. Here, we bring you some of the ways that can boost your fertility:
1. Switch Off The Lights
A study conducted by Joyce DeFelice focused on the effect of elimination of light on fertility treatment. As per the results, the reproductive functions of a woman can be fundamentally and independently affected if ambient light is present while sleeping (2). Of course, more research needs to be done to figure out the exact relationship between fertility and light during sleep. But, eliminating ambient light before going to sleep is a manageable home solution, isn’t it?
2. Make Sure That You Have A Good Sleep
Here, we are talking about both the quality and the quantity. Researchers are still trying to figure out the optimal amount of sleep needed to boost fertility. But, many people vouch for its role in fertility. In her book ‘Lights Out!’, T.S. Wiley says that human beings will benefit tremendously if they sync their sleep cycle with the sun. This means that we sleep sooner and wake up earlier too (3). She backs up the same with substantial research and states how a proper sleeping routine will have a favorable impact on the fertility hormones.
Another researcher, Megan Mahoney, spoke about this in the International Journey of Endocrinology. She mentioned how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of miscarriage, make the menstrual cycles more irregular, and cause difficulty in conception (4). Make efforts to have a proper sleep routine so as to live a healthy lifestyle, which in turn, might also help with your fertility.
3. Weight Optimization For Fertility
There was a review published in EndocrineWeb that focused on the relationship between weight and fertility. The article spoke about how being underweight or overweight can compromise with a woman’s fertility (5). While this data isn’t conclusive, the commonly-accepted guideline of favorable Body Mass Index (BMI) for fertility is somewhere between 19 and 24 (6). What is less commonly known is that weight issues may have an impact on a man’s fertility too (7). So, you can start working on maintaining your weight and staying fit and healthy from now itself.
4. Work On Emotional And Mental Stress
Both of these can have an impact on miscarriage, fertility, and birthing. According to a study, stress should be considered as a potential factor in a couple who has failed to conceive even after six months of persistent efforts (8). So, make efforts to reduce your stress as much as possible. Indulge in rejuvenating activities such as meditation, exercise, or yoga.
Incorporate these suggestions into your routine. And, everything will work out for both you and your partner soon. Good luck!
