How can couples increase their chances of preconception and a healthy baby? Preconception is the period during which a couple tries to conceive a child. While it is often thought of as the time leading up to intercourse, it begins much earlier. During preconception, both partners should take steps to ensure that they are as healthy as possible. This includes eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking Pre-Pregnancy Vitamins. Couples should also talk to their doctor about any medical conditions that could impact fertility or pregnancy.
Do Not Smoke and Drink Alcohol
It’s well known that smoking and drinking alcohol can negatively impact our health. But did you know that these habits can also affect your ability to get pregnant? And, if you do get pregnant, smoking and drinking can harm your developing baby.
Smoking cigarettes decreases both the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. It also damages the lining of the fallopian tubes, making it harder for an egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Also, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus).
Drinking alcohol can also interfere with fertility. Alcohol consumption can reduce both men’s and women’s libido and damage the quality of their sperm or eggs. In addition, alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of miscarrying.
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol altogether. Cutting out cigarettes and alcohol will help improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. And if you’re already pregnant, it’s never too late to quit these unhealthy habits.
Only Get Prescribed Medication
Trying to get pregnant can be a stressful and frustrating time for couples. It’s common for couples to want to take matters into their own hands and try anything they think might help. However, it’s important to remember that prescription drugs are powerful medications that should only be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Taking too much medication can be just as harmful as taking too little. When it comes to fertility drugs, the wrong dose can prevent pregnancy. In addition, certain fertility drugs can cause congenital disabilities if they’re not used properly. That’s why it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking any prescription drug. Preconception vitamins are important for a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant. A daily vitamin can help ensure a woman gets the nutrients she needs to support a healthy pregnancy.
Avoid Stress
It’s not a secret that stress can affect our mental and physical health. And when it comes to getting pregnant, stress can be a major roadblock. Not only does it impact our fertility, but it can also lead to pregnancy complications and a higher risk of miscarrying. For couples trying to conceive, reducing stress is essential for increasing their chances of success. There are many ways to do this, such as:
- yoga
- meditation
- exercise
In addition, making time for relaxation and self-care can help reduce stress levels. By following ways to reduce stress, couples can improve their fertility and increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy.