Are You Planning to Get Pregnant?

Let’s take a look at some basic aspects of conception

Be sure to take folic acid

This is important as the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects. This is because folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord.

Quit cigarettes, alcohol and drugs

Now, that you are planning a baby, it is obvious to quit smoking or taking drugs as these greatly diminish your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. Studies have also shown that even passive smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. Medical experts confirm that alcohol, should be avoided by to-be-mothers so that the child is born healthy and without defects.

Reduce Caffeine

Research says that your ability to absorb iron is hindered when you take in too much of caffeine and increases the risk of stillbirth. Hence, it is best to avoid coffee, tea, and colas in order to increase your chances of getting pregnant. However, if you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium intake and will make conception easier.

What’s your weight?

A woman who has the right weight as per her body size, also has good chances of getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range.

Get your timing right

Your chances of pregnancy depend a lot on the right timing. If you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones, you lessen the chances of conception.

Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Your trusted gynecologist or family doctor can better assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you’re ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal when ovulation is about to occur.

It’s all in the state of mind

Research has it that women who suffer from stress and depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. If you notice signs of depression, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which can help you keep your temperament in control, thereby helping you in conception. Being positive will help you in countering tough situations with ease and calm, take  deep breaths and count 1-10  if you notice your temper going out of control.

Be Aware of Possible Infertility Issues

Infertility touches about one in five couples. That means about 15% of couples will have some difficulty in getting pregnant. However, most of these issues are not insurmountable, and can be corrected by diet and health changes, by using a fertility supplement, or by taking a prescription fertility drug. What is important is to be aware of potential infertility symptoms so that you can deal with them in a better way. These include absent cycles, very long or very short menstrual cycles, failure to show signs of ovulation etc.

Ditch the pill

Now that you have decided to conceive, completely forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and it may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the pill.

Omega-3 supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important supplement for ensuring a strong pregnancy and are particularly beneficial for your baby’s eyes and brain. Omega-3s provide nutrients that support brain development, increased attention spans, and ensure more comfortable deliveries.

Have a Happy Pregnancy! And congratulations in advance!

Via: Medimanage