While most women understand lifestyle changes are inevitable once they get pregnant, many are unaware of the day-to-day habits that can reduce their chances of getting pregnant in the first place. If you ‘re interested in getting pregnant in 2017, the following tips can increase your chances of conceiving, and will also ensure your baby has a healthy habitat to call “home”.
5 Habits To Break to Increase Your Fertility in 2017
- Skipping your annual OB/GYN exams. It’s important to visit your OB/GYN on an annual basis once you are 18 years old or are sexually active, whichever happens first. There are certain conditions, such as PCOS or endometriosis, which can have a detrimental effect on fertility. In some cases, these conditions are asymptomatic. The sooner you know there is a problem, the sooner your doctor can work with you to find effective treatments or alternative solutions to protect your future fertility potential.
- Smoking. You knew this one was coming; if you are a smoker, it’s time to take a hard look at the future ramifications of your habit. In addition to the multiple ways it will compromise your own health, and the health of the ones you love via second-hand smoke, women who smoke have a harder time conceiving due to the effects of tobacco and carcinogens on normal ovarian function. Also, women who smoke experience higher rates of miscarriage, premature birth, and babies born with congenital health issues.
- Eating processed foods. We’re all leading busy lives and heading through the drive-thru, or grabbing another microwave meal from the freezer is always tempting in a pinch. But, evidence is showing that there are several chemicals present in processed foods that contribute to infertility. Pesticides, chemicals used in the lining of fast food wrappers and containers, and BPAs, which are used in a wide range of plastic food storage options, have all been shown to have negative hormonal effects on women. Your best bet is to eat organic, whole-foods when possible.
- Not Exercising. The human body yearns to be healthy when it’s pregnant because it
wants to provide the best optimal environment for your future baby’s development. Infertility has been concretely linked to obesity. While studies are still being done to figure out exactly why, it looks like insulin-resistance and hormonal imbalances go hand-in-hand. Eating well and getting regular exercise can help to keep your BMI at the recommended levels for easier conception. Please Note:being too thin and over-exercising (more than an hour of vigorous exercise per day) are equally detrimental to fertility. - Procrastinating. Here’s the reality: nobody is ever really ready to have a baby. But, the female body is in its fertility prime from the late teens to about 27. Then, fertility begins to decline. By age 35, it’s a relatively steep drop-off. Career success, owning a home and financial stability are important, but you can still achieve those things after becoming a mother. Make sure you aren’t procrastinating to the point of decreasing your chances to conceive naturally. In vitro fertilization, IVF, may be possible, but it is very expensive and can be emotionally challenging.
Worried about not getting pregnant in 2017? Make an appointment at Overlake OB/GYN. We can help you break any habits that may be negatively affecting chances to conceive.
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