NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An increasing number of studies are emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes when trying to conceive. The latest, as determined by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, reports that going to bed on time and getting enough sleep may reduce the time it takes to become pregnant.
“For many women, trying to conceive can be a frustrating experience that can cause anxiety, making it problematic to relax and actually get a good night’s sleep,” says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., OB/GYN at Yale University School of Medicine and founder of MadameOvary.com. She notes that there’s plenty you can do to keep anxiety at bay during this stressful time. “Remember, trying to conceive can be more of a marathon than a sprint. And, getting pregnant is all about training your body by making some lifestyle changes.”
1. Optimize your diet. In addition to taking a pre-natal vitamin like vitafusion, add more plant-based foods, anything rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, whole grains and raw nuts, and minimize your intake of refined foods. And, drinking alcohol and smoking don't make the cut for a healthy pregnancy journey.
2. Cut the caffeine. Excessive caffeine can not only make you more anxious but can also reduce your chances of conception. Most obstetricians discourage their pregnant patients from drinking more than 2-3 cups of caffeine per day, so it’s good practice to try and cut down on this habit while you are TTC.
3. Find out your ovulation window by using a fertility monitor or ovulation test kit like First Response so you can target your most fertile days. Within minutes, you will know your LH surge indicating your two most fertile days to try and conceive.
4. Rethink your workout. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists warns against over exercising because of the stress it puts on your body. Your pituitary gland may not encourage ovulation if you overdo it. But before you quit the gym completely, think again. Keeping an ideal pre-pregnancy weight is as important as not being overweight. Try exercises like walking, cycling, Pilates or yoga to manage your weight and help reduce stress
5. Get sperm-safe. Don’t use traditional lubes if sex on demand causes dryness, as they can harm sperm motility. Instead use Pre-Seed, a sperm-safe lubricant. It’s pH-balanced and isotonic, so sperm can remain healthy and strong while swimming freely on their way to meet the egg.
6. Test the waters. If you think you may be pregnant, take a test immediately. Studies have shown that First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test detects very small amounts of the pregnancy hormone HCG so it’s steps ahead of any other test. Women who want to be extra sure of their result can use the Triple Check pregnancy test kit from First Response which offers three unique pregnancy tests all over 99 percent accurate in one kit.
“Trying to conceive can be stressful,” adds Minkin. “Take control of your body, know your ovulation cycle with certainty rather than guessing, get enough sleep, stick to a plan and try to relax.”