Maybe you know what to do once you get pregnant. But what are you supposed to do while you’re trying to conceive?
Making sure your body is ready to carry a child is almost as important as being good to your pregnant self. Some of the same things that will prompt normal development might even be helpful for conception.
Kick the Habit
First and foremost, stop any legal or illegal drug use or chemically-based bad habits. This includes tobacco, alcohol, marijuana (where legal), and even high levels of caffeine. Smoking, in particular, has a detrimental effect on fertility. Studies show 95% of female tobacco smokers have much lower odds of successfully becoming pregnant. The uterus itself even seems less receptive to pregnancy in smokers—and that’s not to mention the major health issues tobacco products can cause in babies.
Excessive alcohol might not have as big an impact on fertility, but it can certainly cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Doctors are still unsure how damaging it is in the first few weeks before you even know you’re pregnant. Abstinence is widely agreed to be the best option.
Caffeine should be avoided as much as possible. Although new research is changing minds about caffeine and pregnancy, some evidence suggests that too much during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. It’s better to be safe and keep your coffee to a minimum—about a cup of coffee or 200 milligrams a day. Definitely steer clear of any energy drinks or other products with added caffeine.
Get It All Checked Out
Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist before you begin trying to conceive. Your doctor will likely perform a pap smear and give you a complete exam. This is to check for any abnormalities you are unaware of that may affect your chances of starting a family. Your doctor can also give you additional advice to help plan your pregnancy.
Discuss any existing health problems you have, also. Blood disorders, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and a variety of other conditions can all create serious problems during pregnancy. Some diseases may merit finding a high-risk obstetrician to monitor your pregnancy.
If you take any prescription medications, supplements, or vitamins, be sure to talk to your doctor, your gynecologist, or a pharmacist about how those can affect conception and pregnancy. This is also a good time to start prenatal vitamins and folic acid to build your body's supply of essential nutrients. These measures will give your developing child everything it needs for healthy formation in the womb.
Make Healthy Choices
Maintain a healthy weight is also key for conceiving. Both overweight and underweight women tend to have more pregnancy-related complications and reduced fertility. Strive to eat a balanced diet, and maintain light to moderate exercise every day to prepare your body. Certain foods can help your body be more inclined toward conception, as well as create a nutrient-rich environment for a developing fetus.
Stop taking any birth control you use in advance of trying to conceive. This may seem obvious, but many women underestimate the effects of oral birth control on their fertility and menstrual cycle. It can take months after the cessation of oral contraceptives before your hormones return to normal. This is particularly true if you have been using the medication for a long time. Depo-Provera can take even longer to recover from. It takes about 3 to 18 months to resume ovulating following your last Depo-Provera shot.
