- When you decide you're ready to start trying to get pregnant, make an appointment with your midwife. Together, you can review your health history (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, thyroid issues) to identify any risks or obstacles to get under control before you conceive.
- Get to your ideal Body Mass Index (BMI). The ideal BMI for pregnancy is between 20 and 25. Being over or underweight can have an adverse affect hormones.
- STOP SMOKING. Everyone should do this anyway, but studies show that women who smoke and are trying to get pregnant can take up to a year and a half to conceive.
- Limit your alcohol. Heavy drinking affects fertility by increasing the amount of time it takes to get pregnant and reduces your chances of having a healthy baby. This goes for men as well. In addition, smoking marijuana reduces male sperm motility and decreases sperm count.
- Try to conceive in Winter or Spring. Studies show that male sperm are healthier during these times.
- Track your ovulation. You can download free apps to track your cycle, purchase ovulation predictor kits or use the basal body temperature method. Generally, ovulation occurs around day 14 before your next cycle begins.
- Have sex before and after ovulation. Have sex in the 4 days leading up to ovulation and 1 to 2 days after.
- Avoid commercial lubricants. They have adverse effects on conception by decreasing sperm motility and potentially harming the sperm. Opt for natural substitutes like olive oil.
BONUS TIP— Relax! Your sexual activity should now have two goals instead of one. Making a baby and climaxing. Stress has harmful effects on the body and stressing out over conception isn’t helping you, your partner, or conceiving.
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