So you’ve decided it’s time to have a baby, but did you know that your diet, lifestyle and environment can all have an impact on your chances of becoming pregnant? Not only is a healthy, balanced diet essential for your general health and wellbeing, but it can also improve your chances of conception. Research also shows that our modern lifestyle adversely affects our reproductive health.
As both parents are involved in conception, it is important that you both prepare your bodies prior to trying to conceive. Ideally, improvements to your diet & lifestyle should be commenced at least 4 months before you begin trying for a baby.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Consume a balanced and varied diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and complex carbohydrates
- Include foods rich in calcium, zinc, iron and folate – e.g. wholegrain breads and cereals, low fat dairy, lean meat, fish and green leafy vegetables
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs
- Lose or gain weight to maximise your chance of conception and a healthy pregnancy
- Avoid produce grown with chemical fertilizers – try organic!
- Consume lots of fresh, filtered water – ideally 2 litres a day
- Avoid food additives and artificial sweeteners
- Be aware of dosage concerns with Vitamin A (excess associated with birth defects)
- Take extra care with toxic products e.g. paints, glues, herbicides and pesticides, household cleaning products
- Decrease stress – try meditation, yoga, massage, exercise, ‘you’ time
- Get to know your menstrual cycle – this will help you identity your optimal time for conception, any irregularities and the signs of fertility your body gives you
If a major overhaul is needed, give yourself plenty of time to implement the changes. One step at a time is less daunting!
For personalised advice on improving your fertility and pre-conception care, contact us to arrange an appointment.
