For couples trying to conceive, getting pregnant can be a challenging and stressful experience. However, there are several proven ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical treatments.
In this article, we’ll discuss seven proven ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
1. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight or underweight can disrupt your hormonal balance, making it harder to conceive.
Women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 may experience irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems, while women with a BMI below 18.5 may not ovulate at all. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, try to maintain a healthy BMI between 18.5 and 25.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can promote fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Certain nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin D, and iron are especially important for female fertility. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects, while vitamin D and iron can improve ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles. Additionally, limiting your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can improve your overall health and fertility.
3. Track Your Ovulation
Tracking your ovulation can help you identify your most fertile days and increase your chances of getting pregnant. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period.
You can use ovulation predictor kits or fertility tracking apps to determine your ovulation cycle. Having sex during your fertile window can significantly increase your chances of getting pregnant.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress can disrupt your hormonal balance and make it harder to conceive. High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycles, reducing your chances of getting pregnant.
To reduce stress, try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can also help you manage stress more effectively.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking can decrease fertility in both men and women and increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Smoking can also accelerate the loss of eggs, making it harder to conceive.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s crucial to quit smoking to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
6. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can improve your overall health and fertility, making it easier to get pregnant. Exercise can help regulate your menstrual cycle, improve ovulation, and boost your energy levels.
However, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, so it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overexerting yourself. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
7. Consider Medical Treatments
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success, it may be time to consider medical treatments.
Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility medications can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help you determine the best course of treatment for your particular situation.
Conclusion
Getting pregnant can be a challenging and emotional journey, but there are several proven ways to increase your chances of success.
Maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, tracking your ovulation, reducing stress, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and considering medical treatments can all improve your fertility and help you achieve your dream of having a baby. By making these changes and seeking professional help when necessary, you can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.