Do’s and Don’ts when Trying to Conceive

Key Factors for Success

When trying to conceive, a combination of age, lifestyle choices, timing, and overall health can either support or hinder fertility. Here, we’ll explore these factors and highlight the essential do’s and don’ts for both partners.

Age and Timeline Considerations

• Do Be Mindful of Age: Women under 30 generally have higher fertility rates, but those over 35 may face more challenges. Age is a key factor in fertility, especially for women.
• Don’t Delay Seeking Help if Over 35: If you’re over 35 and have been trying for more than six months, consider consulting a specialist. For younger couples, seeking help after a year of trying is advisable.
• Do Monitor Time Trying to Conceive: If it’s been less than three years, the chances of natural conception are still relatively high. However, if it’s been longer, consulting a fertility specialist is wise.

Optimizing Intercourse Timing

Timing intercourse around ovulation is one of the top do’s when trying to conceive. The most fertile days are the six days leading up to ovulation, with peak fertility occurring two days before ovulation. Tracking your cycle or using ovulation predictor kits can help pinpoint these days for the best chances of conception.

Health and Lifestyle Do’s and Don’ts When Trying to Conceive

Your health and lifestyle choices can significantly impact fertility. Here’s what to consider:

Weight Management and BMI

• Do Maintain a Healthy BMI: A BMI between 20 and 24 is ideal for conception in both men and women. Check your diet if you are underweight, overweight or obese as this may impact fertility. This range supports balanced hormone levels and optimal fertility.
• Don’t Overlook Weight Issues: A BMI under 20 or over 30 can interfere with fertility, so make any necessary adjustments through a balanced diet and moderate exercise.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Caffeine Intake

• Do Limit Caffeine: Aim for no more than two cups of coffee per day to prevent any potential negative impact on fertility.
• Don’t Smoke or Use Recreational Drugs: Both partners should avoid smoking and recreational drugs, as these substances can harm sperm and egg quality.
• Don’t Drink: Alcohol should be minimized or eliminated, as drinking may negatively affect fertility in both men and women.

Pre-existing Health Conditions: Important Do’s and Don’ts When Trying to Conceive

Pre-existing health conditions can influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Managing these conditions proactively is essential.

• Do Stabilize Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders should be well-managed before trying to conceive. Consult your healthcare provider to ensure that any medications are safe for pregnancy and won’t affect sperm or egg quality.
• Do Consult a fertility specialist if Needed: Certain conditions, such as epilepsy, may require specialized care and preconception counseling to ensure a safe pregnancy.
• Don’t Overlook Medication Impacts: Some medications can affect fertility or harm a developing fetus. Talk to your doctor to confirm that your prescriptions are pregnancy-safe.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Do’s and Don’ts When Trying to Conceive

Nutrition and lifestyle choices are central to reproductive health. Here’s what to focus on:

Diet and Exercise

• Do Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Antioxidant-rich foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and green vegetables support reproductive health. Nutrients like zinc, folate, and omega-3s are particularly beneficial.
• Do Exercise Moderately: Engaging in regular, moderate exercise helps regulate hormone levels and maintains a healthy BMI.
• Don’t Overdo Intense Workouts: Excessive physical strain, especially from endurance sports, may affect ovulation and sperm health.

Mental and Emotional Health

• Do Manage Stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormone balance. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress, supporting both fertility and overall health.
• Don’t Ignore Mental Health: Emotional support and mental well-being are vital. Support groups and counseling can be beneficial, especially for couples facing infertility challenges.

Do’s and Don’ts for the Male When Trying to Conceive

Male fertility is equally essential in the conception journey. Here are some do’s and don’ts when trying to conceive that are specific to men.

Diet and Supplements

• Do Eat a Balanced Diet: Men should focus on foods rich in zinc, selenium, folic acid, and antioxidants, as these nutrients promote sperm health.
• Do Consider Multivitamins: Men may benefit from vitamins C, D, E, and zinc supplements to support sperm quality.
• Don’t Consume Excessive Caffeine or Alcohol: Men should keep caffeine intake low (two cups per day or less) and moderate alcohol intake, as high levels of either can reduce sperm quality.

Lifestyle and Health Habits

• Do Avoid Heat Exposure: High temperatures can affect sperm production. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and prolonged laptop use on the lap.
• Don’t Wear Tight Clothing: Tight underwear or pants can raise scrotal temperature, impacting sperm production. Opt for loose-fitting clothing.
• Do Avoid Smoking and Recreational Drugs: Both significantly harm sperm quality and count, decreasing fertility.

Health and Medical Checks

• Do Schedule a Semen Analysis if you do not conceive after a year of trying: This can identify any sperm quality issues early, allowing men to take corrective actions or seek medical advice. Male factor infertility is important in over 50% of patients who have difficulty in conceiving.
• Don’t Overlook Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders or hypertension can impact fertility. Regular check-ups and proper management of these conditions are crucial.

Additional Do’s and Don’ts When Trying to Conceive

Folic Acid Supplementation

• Do Take Folic Acid: Women should take 0.4 mg of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. For those with a history of neural tube defects or epilepsy, a higher dose (5 mg daily) is recommended.

Virology Screening and Immunizations

• Do Check Rubella Immunity: Rubella can pose risks during pregnancy, so women should be screened and vaccinated if needed.
• Don’t Skip Screening for HIV and Hepatitis: Those at risk should consider these screenings, as they ensure both maternal and fetal health.

Timing and Fertility Tracking

• Do Use Ovulation Tracking: Understanding your ovulatory cycle is one of the essential do’s when trying to conceive. Use fertility apps, ovulation predictor kits, or track basal body temperature to identify fertile days.
• Do Have Regular Intercourse: Aim for intercourse two to three times a week, particularly in the six days leading up to ovulation. This routine provides ample coverage of the fertile window without stressing over exact timing.

When to Seek Specialist Advice: Do’s and Don’ts When Trying to Conceive

• Do Consult a Specialist After Prolonged Trying: Couples who have been trying for over a year (or over six months if the woman is 35 or older) should seek advice from a fertility specialist.
• Don’t Ignore Concerning Health Factors: Medical histories or reproductive issues in either partner may warrant early specialist referral for tailored advice.

Take home Message

Following these do’s and don’ts when trying to conceive provides couples with a clear roadmap for improving fertility and overall reproductive health. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, timing intercourse correctly, and addressing any pre-existing conditions, couples can maximize their chances of conception. For any lingering concerns, consult a healthcare provider or fertility specialist for personalized guidance.