27th January 2014 | by MFC Team
Suggestions for boosting your fertility
Thinking of trying to have a baby in 2014? Dr. Edward Marut, Medical Director with Fertility Centers of Illinois recently highlighted a number of habits to break if you’re trying to become pregnant.
Dr. Marut suggests that making some simple lifestyle changes in areas such as your diet and getting more sleep can all boost your overall health and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. For example, if you’re trying to get pregnant, he suggests that you limit your intake of processed foods, sweets, saturated fats, and caffeine and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Also, cutting out cigarettes, which have been shown to cause infertility, may help increase your likelihood of getting pregnant.
If you’re already having intercourse two to four times a week, Dr. Marut suggests that adding temperature charts and home ovulation kits will only stress you out. If you’re having regular periods, your fertile window is between days 12 to 16. If your periods are irregular, talk to a reproductive endocrinologist to help you determine when you’re most fertile.
Dr. Marut also says there’s no need to “save up” for ovulation or to have intercourse multiple times per day before you ovulate – don’t let trying to get pregnant interfere with enjoying your sex life. Aim to have intercourse two to four times a week and whenever you’re in the mood. If you’re under 35 and you’ve been trying to become pregnant for over a year, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for over 6 months, he recommends a trip to your doctor to test your fertility. Your doctor can advise you on whether there are any changes you can make to help you get pregnant.
Not being able to get pregnant can increase stress and anxiety. You don’t have to feel like you’re in this alone. If you’re concerned about your fertility, reach out to your partner and friends, see a counsellor, or attend a fertility support group in your area.
Read more about Dr. Edward Marut’s suggestions here and here.
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