Getting pregnant can be easy if you follow certain lifestyle habits before you conceive. Here are some preconception essentials you need to tick if you are trying to get pregnant.
While becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful things, it is not exactly a cakewalk for every couple! It is a big undertaking that requires you to take responsibility for what is yet to come. For the sake of your health and your baby’s, it is crucial to take care of yourself and your health, and plan properly. But where do you begin when planning to have a kid? From lifestyle changes to being on the lookout for diseases, there’s a lot to consider when trying to conceive.
It is every woman’s dream to conceive a healthy baby with proper growth and development. In this pursuit, it is imperative for women to take utmost care of themselves to get their bodies ready for pregnancy. Dr Nisha Pansare, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Pune, tells Health Shots what women need to do for a healthy pregnancy.
How to increase your chances of getting pregnant?
1. Maintain healthy weight
Chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby increase when you maintain a healthy weight. A study published in Pediatric Research found that obesity among pregnant women can lead to complications. If you are overweight, try to cut down on those excess kilos and stay healthy. It is a known fact that exercising on a regular basis will help enhance overall well-being and fertility. Dr Pansare recommends 30 minutes of brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or running every day to notice the difference.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Regardless of how many times you’ve heard this, it is crucial to eat a healthy diet to improve your reproductive health. Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and lentils to ensure a smooth pregnancy. You must avoid eating junk, canned and processed foods and illicit drugs that could lead to fertility problems. You should also cut down on caffeine. It can also impact the quality of eggs and the health of your future baby.
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3. Know the right time to get pregnant
You might wonder if there’s a certain time in your menstrual cycle that could help you get pregnant. Well, there is! Your vaginal mucus becomes clear, slick and slippery, just before the ovulation process. It allows the sperm to swim up easily to meet an egg at ovulation. This is the best time to have sex to become pregnant, adds the expert. So, keep an eye on your ovulation cycle or menstrual calendar for result-oriented sex.
4. Avoid chemical-laden products
When you are trying to get pregnant, it is crucial to stay away from unnecessary chemicals that may hamper your chances of pregnancy. As per Dr Pansare, some chemicals in certain products can affect a woman’s reproductive health and reduce the chances of getting pregnant. It is best to avoid using any chemical-laden products down there.
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5. Maintain oral hygiene
Believe it or not, bacteria in your mouth can increase the risk of infertility in women, as per several studies. And the expert agrees! She says that it is necessary for a woman to take care of her oral hygiene as well before pregnancy. Gum diseases can increase the risk of developing pregnancy problems. So, be careful and visit the dentist at regular intervals.
6. Check for medical conditions
If you have an underlying disease, it can affect your chances of fertility including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. Make sure you are healthy and then only go ahead when it comes to pregnancy. Take supplements only after consulting the doctor.
Getting pregnant requires effort, and we are not just talking about sex here! All the factors mentioned here contribute to a healthy pregnancy. So, get ready to tick all the things on the preconception checklist if you want to conceive successfully.
