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Secrets of conception
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Whether you are 25 or 45, conceiving a baby can often be challenging for many couples. Medical professionals, fertility experts and women who have successfully conceived offer the following advice.
While some factors remain beyond ones control, making a few modifications and choosing appropriate conception aid tools may be just the ticket to pregnancy.
Discontinue birth control pills
Use alternative methods of birth control other than birth control pills for at least two months until you are ready to begin trying to conceive. Studies indicate a woman’s ovulation and menstrual cycle will be back on track within a few months after discontinuing the use of birth control pills and begin ovulating normally soon thereafter.
Birth control pills are also known to thicken cervical mucus and may prevent sperm from joining with an egg. Cervical mucus usually needs to return to its normal thickness before successfully conceiving.
Stop smoking
According to the American Heart and Lung Association, women who smoke may reduce their chances of conceiving by 40% and their chances of miscarriage increase as well. Additionally, lower birth weight may result.
In other research by fertility experts, a recent Canadian study found a higher incidence of mutations in the sperm of men who use tobacco products. Marijuana use at the time of conception or during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and ectopic pregnancy.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime
Studies across the nation cite women who maintain a proper body weight mass by eating properly and exercising increase their chances of conceiving. Maintaining a good balance will help you later on during pregnancy and labor as well.
Additional research suggested women who are under weight may reduce their chances of fertility and conception, too.
Women who maintain healthy insulin levels are more likely to ovulate normally than those with insulin-resistance or diabetes. Moderate exercise of 30 minutes each day can improve insulin levels.
If you eat processed foods or knowingly consume foods with trans fats, switch to whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Co-authors Walter Willet, M.D. and Jorge Chavarro, M.D. conducted the latest Nurses Study II monitoring health issues on 18,500 nurses; including fertility-related issues. They tell us the right diet can improve your chances of getting pregnant by 66%. One delicious perk includes regularly consuming a full-fat dairy product like ice cream. This may boost your fertility by a whopping 22%. Hello Ben & Jerry’s!
Cut the caffeine
There is conflicting research available regarding moderate to heavy amounts of caffeine.
Play it safe and avoid the caffeine. Once pregnant, caffeine may also be detrimental to the unborn child.
Cut the alcohol
The U.S. Surgeon General warns women should not drink alcohol while pregnant because of the risk of birth defects. With this in mind, women who are attempting to conceive often do not know they are pregnant for at least a month.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a critical factor worth considering when deciding to drink alcoholic beverages while attempting to get pregnant. FAS is an irreversible condition which slows the growth of vital organs in the baby due to the effects of alcohol.
The risk of fetal alcohol syndrome is greatest during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the few causes of mental retardation that is preventable, yet it remains a common cause according to a report from the Mayo Clinic.
Ovulation…Know your best days
By tracking your menstrual cycle and becoming familiar with your ovulation you will increase your chances significantly of becoming pregnant.
Investing in a Basal body temp thermometer (BBT) and charting your temp may be the answer to conception. Ovulation predictor kits offer amazing accuracy in tracking your most fertile 24-36 hours.
Prenatal Vitamins
To create a healthy environment for both you and your baby it is essential to take the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid and calcium.
Prenatal vitamins generally contain 800 mcg of folic acid and 200 mg of calcium. Your Physician may recommend you begin this regimen ahead of time with 800 - 1000 mcg of folic acid to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Occupational Hazards
It is important for women trying to conceive to limit their exposure to occupational hazards such as biological agents (i.e. Rubella, Tuberculosis, Chickenpox, Herpes Simplex, HIV, Hepatitis B and Toxoplasma). Rubella, for example can infect and damage the growing fetus and cause miscarriage, deafness and even cataracts. If the pregnant worker has had the vaccination or disease itself, she is likely to be immune.
Physical hazards such as extreme temperatures, vibration and hyperbaric atmospheres are known to be a threat as well. Women exposed to high doses of radiation, especially x-rays should limit their exposure. Birth defects have been found in children born to women exposed to very high doses of radiation.
Stay away from solvents, dangerous pharmaceuticals and metals such as lead and mercury. Watch out for any label or data which carry the codes R46, R61, R63 and R64.
Finally, the risks from stress are well established and are associated with raised blood pressure which is dangerous for pregnant women and associated with infertility.
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