NATURAL WAYS TO INCREASE FERTILITY
Trying to conceive can be a very exciting time.
The prospect of creating a family, new chapters ahead and the thought of being a parent.
But, it can also be a time of high emotions, stress and sometimes disappointment.
So, whether you’re just considering a baby, about to start trying or have been hoping for a positive pregnancy test for a few months, a little research and knowledge is a great way to embark on the road to parenthood.
If you want to give yourself the best chance of achieving the dream of starting a family, it pays to get fit for fertility.
The truth is, there are many simple steps that you can try to increase fertility naturally – no invasive procedures, pills or other medical intervention necessary.
THE WEIGHT TO BE PREGNANT
Studies have shown that an unhealthy weight – in either partner – can have a significant impact on the ability to conceive. Obesity can cause problems from conception right through to delivery and beyond. Being overweight or obese not only reduces the chance of a couple conceiving naturally, but also means fertility treatment, such as IVF, is less likely to be successful.
VALUABLE VITAMINS
If you are thinking of getting pregnant, or are in the earliest weeks of pregnancy, it’s important for women to take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid. Genea Australia says that folic acid is recommended for its benefits in reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Other supplements may also be of benefit, but before you take anything new, you need to check with your doctor or pharma-cist.
EAT THE RAINBOW – A REAL FOOD DIET
You need to nourish yourself before you can begin to nourish a growing baby. Good nutrition for your health is going to be good for conception and pregnancy too. Choose foods rich in wholegrains as well as a daily diet that has a rainbow’s worth of colourful fruits and vegetables. Dairy products including milk, yogurt, and cheese, lean animal protein, salmon (choose wild if you can), sardines, herring, and other types of fatty fish are swimming in fertility-boosting benefits, thanks to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids they boast. Not a fan of fish? Then get your ome-ga-3 fatty acids from flaxseed, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and eggs. It’s also a good idea to cut down on caffeine, stop smoking and to be on the safe side stop alcohol as soon as you start try-ing to conceive. Experts concur that abstaining from alcohol throughout your entire pregnancy is safest for your baby.
SAY NO TO STRESS
Stress is a huge issue for most people. In today’s digital world, many of us are often frazzled, tired and stretched far too thin. This tends to be especially true of women. But stress is not good for our minds, bodies, or spirits and can wreak havoc on our health. Stress is particularly deadly when it comes to fertility. If you are feeling stressed, then be sure to implement some stress-reducing strategies in your life.
ELEVATE THE EXERCISE
Keeping fit is important for everyone, but particularly so when you’re pregnant. Keeping active will help to keep your weight in check, as well as reduce stress and make you a happier, healthier person and that’s all good for your baby. There’s nothing like going for a walk in the sunshine or having a swim, to make us feel better – inside and out.
HAVE SEX AT PEAK FERTILITY TIMES
This goes without saying, but have sex when you think you are ovulating! This is why charting your cycle is so necessary. As a general rule, women typically ovulate 14 days before their next period, and sperm can last a few days in the uterus. Therefore, having sex a few times around that day is usually the simplest way to ensure that you are giving the egg every chance to get fertilised. Most midwives will say days 11-18 are your most fertile, so grab your partner and have some fun.
ACUPUNCTURE & MASSAGE
Reducing stress is vital to improving fertility for both men and women. Regular acupuncture treatments has been found to have a significant impact on reducing stress and anxiety. Some studies suggest acupuncture may also have an impact on fertility factors such as sperm count.
