The Conception Journey

Unless a person is actively trying to get pregnant, many people just assume that conception is easy. The belief is understandable when some individuals seem to get pregnant easily. Yet, even if the above is true, certain lifestyle changes are recommended regardless of whether people are conceiving naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Consider incorporating the following healthy lifestyle tips to boost conception odds.

Cut back on vices

No matter whether conceiving naturally or through fertility treatments, behavioral habits can be a major influence on pregnancy. Leading up to that big fat positive test result, both men and women should cut back on alcohol consumption. The advice is for both genders as research has linked excessive drinking with lower conception rates. Ideally, people should aim to avoid drinking more than four drinks a week. Likewise, more obvious vices like smoking or tobacco use should be eliminated completely. If necessary, try joining a smoking cessation program to quit for good.

Get active and reach a healthy weight

Experts encourage adults to aim for roughly 150 active minutes a week, or about 5 30-minute sessions per week. For people undergoing IVF, avoid the rigorous exercise and instead opt for moderate activity like swimming, walking, or even dancing. Exercise can help to reduce some of the physical and health side effects of both pregnancy and undergoing fertility treatments such as constipation, poor sleep, backaches, constipation, and even gestational diabetes. Likewise, people should work to reach a healthier weight. Both men and women who are outside of the healthy range either by being underweight, overweight, or obese, tend to have more difficulty conceiving and experience more complications than individuals who are within the ideal range.

Work on that diet

Eating right is always important but especially when trying to conceive a healthy diet is critical. Especially for women, pregnancy is when the body is working overtime to supply enough nutrients for two people, the mother and the baby. The fetus’ growth is prioritized which means moms can experience vitamin deficiencies if healthy meals aren’t prioritized. One way to avoid that fate is by incorporating a prenatal vitamin before getting pregnant, whether trying naturally or through fertility treatments. Look for options with the recommended amounts of folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine

Take time to breathe

No matter how a baby is conceived, the trying to get pregnant period can be tough. Research has proven that stress can delay conception and cause couples to keep trying again. Although unrealistic to encourage people not to stress, try finding healthy outlets for managing anxiety such as meditation, self-care rituals, or even speaking with a trusted friend or licensed therapist if necessary.

Planning ahead for the future

Regardless of whether a pregnancy occurred naturally or with IVF, the entire experience from trying to finally having a baby is like an emotional and financial rollercoaster. A wide range of factors will influence whether a couple gets that big fat positive test result. However, adopting a healthier lifestyle ahead of pregnancy can help to improve those conception odds.