5 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Chances of Conceiving Naturally Right Now

Patiently waiting for pregnancy test results

Nowadays it is taking most couples a little bit longer to get pregnant for a variety of reasons. Often times couples ask their health care providers what are the best things they can do to get pregnant in terms of lifestyle changes. Here are 5 things you can do right now to get started and get going on your path to pregnancy!

1. Avoid sperm-harming lubricants

Many lubricants couples use have sperm-harming chemicals in them. When shopping, make sure you check and make sure the one you are using is safe before purchasing. It only takes one healthy sperm to get pregnant, but certain lubrications can unfortunately ruin the whole batch. Buyer beware!

2. Avoid fertility-busting foods

Not only is being a healthy weight important, but eating high quality calories is important too. If you are scarfing down loads of processed foods, or having alcohol daily, not to mention sugar or artificial sweeteners, expect your positive pregnancy test to take longer. By filling your fridge with tons of fruits and veggies and soups, and your counter with nuts or other non-processed snacks, you will start eating better and not crave the bad stuff as much, which will lead to better preconception care for both mom and dad, not to mention a quicker and easier path to parenthood.

3. Get your rest

Most Americans feel that sleeping and resting are lazy and we should work work work! Although it’s great to a productive and active, listen to your body. If you are tired, make sure you are getting enough sleep, and early enough. Not sleeping enough can wreak havoc on one’s hormones – both men & women!

4. Understand your cycle

In order to get pregnant, couples must have intercourse around ovulation, usually day 13-15 for the average woman’s cycle. How long is your cycle? Start tracking it in your calendar or an app on your phone. Or, you can use an OPK (ovulation predictor kit) which will let you know when you will be ovulating.

Some women choose to do BBT charting (Basil Body Temperature charts) which can be helpful for them and their health care providers, and others still look for the signs – raw, egg-white cervical mucus, and sometimes cramping or an increase in energy or even mood.

3. Quit smoking

Just quit. It shouldn’t have to be explained anymore, but if you are smoking, you are directly damaging your egg quality, and decreasing the quality, quantity, and the movement of swimming sperm. Get the support you need from your doctor (or acupuncturist) and get on the road to having healthy eggs and sperm, and ultimately, a healthy baby.