Have you been planning to conceive and wondered how you can improve your fertility? It becomes imperative to plan before to improve the chances of getting pregnant and avoid complications that may arise. The cases of infertility are on the rise, especially due to several lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a healthy diet, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, managing stress, and maintaining good oral hygiene are important lifestyle changes that can help improve your chances to conceive.
We spoke to our expert Dr Swati Sinha, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rosewalk Healthcare, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, who listed various measures that one should follow when planning pregnancy:
Maintain A Healthy Weight
It's important to maintain a healthy weight when planning pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation and cause infertility in women of all weights. It is, therefore, crucial to maintain a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 to avoid complications.
In addition, male infertility is caused by obesity, which is linked to reduced sperm counts and sperm motility in men. Another critical lifestyle modification is making nutrient-dense dietary choices.
Schedule A Sexually Transmitted Diseases Test
Another thing to keep in mind is to get tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), as they can lead to infertility. It can even lead to complications, such as premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Quit Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption is detrimental to your health and the risk rises two-fold when you are planning to get pregnant. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco products, including smoking, can harm a person's ability to conceive. Both the amount and quality of sperm in men are impacted due to smoking. It can also destroy women's eggs and raise the chances of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Reduce Your Caffeine
Caffeine is a regular part of most people’s everyday routine. Most people cannot start their day without their daily morning cup of coffee. However, consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day is linked to both infertility and higher chances of miscarriage. Start by gradually decreasing your caffeine intake.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Were you aware that oral health also plays a significant role in promoting fertility? Periodontal disease, which has been connected to premature birth and low birth weight, can be brought on by poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it is important to regularly brush and floss your teeth and visit a dentist for checkups.
Do Not Miss Exercise
It is important to regularly exercise to promote the overall health of your body and manage weight. You can go to the gym, practise yoga, or just go for walks. The goal is to engage your body in physical activity. However, it is also important to note that you should avoid strenuous exercises as they increase the risk of anovulation, harm, and injury.
Also Read: Genital Tuberculosis: Expert Explains Its Impact On Fertility
Destress Your Mind
Did you know stress prevents ovulation and lowers the likelihood of pregnancy? So it's essential to engage in stress-relieving exercises like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Relax and do not stress your mind instead of worrying about things that may not be in your control. In addition, maintain a healthy sleep schedule and do not sleep for less than six hours.
Bottomline
The importance of routine gynaecological screenings and exams cannot be overstated. Regular check-ups can help uncover potential risk factors and diagnose any underlying medical issues that might affect pregnancy.
