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Fertility
Tips for
Conception
Improve
your chances of conceiving
 By
both you and your partner taking a good look at your lifestyle, and being
prepared to make some positive changes, you can dramatically increase your
chances of conceiving.
Conception Tips: Points to be taken care for conceiving :
·
Watch what you eat every day
To maximise your chances of getting
pregnant, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. For more
information on which foods to enjoy freely and which to try and avoid, see Exercise and Nutrition.
·
Watch your weight
If you’re overweight or very underweight
(i.e. have a body mass index, BMI, of more than 29 or less than 19) you’re
less likely to be able to conceive so easily. It’s best to see your doctor
if you, or your partner, are overweight so you can get advice on the best
and safest way to lose it. Usually, eating the right kind of food and
reducing the amount you eat, will help.
·
Be active
Regular, moderate exercise of around 30
minutes a day will help to improve and maximise your fitness and keep you
at a good weight. It will also boost your endorphin levels, the body’s own
‘happy hormones’.
·
Drink wisely
The government recently advised women
trying to conceive to avoid alcohol completely. Men should drink no more
than two to three units a week.
·
Don’t smoke
Smoking has been associated with
infertility and early menopause in women, as well as sperm problems in men.
It also reduces the success of fertility treatment.
·
Keep cool
For optimum sperm production, the testicles
need to be a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the body. Men should
therefore avoid tight underwear and jeans, cycling and excessively hot
baths and saunas. We also recommend a cold shower around the testicles for
few seconds each day.
·
Think about your job
Occupations that involve sitting for long
periods, such as long-distance lorry driving or exposure to environmental
chemicals may affect sperm quality.
·
Manage stress
We all have different stress thresholds and
there is now growing evidence that being stressed can affect your chances
of conceiving. The body interprets physiological stressors, such as lack of
sleep and intensive athletic training, in the same way as psychological
stress due to excessive anxiety, bereavement or divorce for example. The
stress can sometimes upset your mental health and can disturb your normal
bodily functions. So, trying to identify and reduce the things that cause
your stress, are a good idea.
·
Take folic acid
All women trying for a baby should take a
supplement of 400mcg of folic acid a day to help prevent birth defects such
as spina bifida.
·
Check drugs
Certain prescription drugs can reduce the
chances of conception, so make your doctor aware that you’re trying for a
baby.
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