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Infertility can be a major hurdle for couples trying to get pregnant. Your fruitless attempts to get pregnant could be the result of your infertility, your partner’s infertility, or both.
While there are plenty of fertility treatments to consider, you may be able to get results just by making a few lifestyle changes as you attempt to get pregnant.
Our expert OB/GYNs at The Association for Women’s Health Care are here to support you as you work to improve your fertility. They can sit down with you at our offices in The Loop in Chicago and in Northbrook, Illinois, to go over your lifestyle habits and their possible effects on your ability to get pregnant.
To get started, here are some lifestyle tips we suggest.
Either being overweight or being underweight can have a negative impact on your fertility. Try to stay within a healthy weight range for someone of your age and height.
Regular exercise and a mindful, balanced diet can help you remain within a weight range that’s conducive for fertility.
But don’t overdo it: Too much exercise can compromise your results because excessive physical activity inhibits ovulation. If you’re trying to get pregnant, aim for around five hours of exercise a week.
When planning your diet and choosing meals or snacks, include foods that contain all the nutrients your body needs to function at its best. Include lean proteins, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Illicit drugs and even some substances that you might not immediately think are harmful to your fertility can affect your ability to get pregnant. Smoking and tobacco products, for example, age your ovaries and deplete your eggs earlier in life.
In addition to stopping a smoking habit, you should also avoid alcohol while attempting to get pregnant and limit or avoid caffeine. If you can’t get through the day without a pick-me-up, consider cutting down to about two 6-8 ounce cups of coffee a day.
If you’re a night owl, consider adjusting your sleep schedule so you sleep through the night and are wide awake during the daytime. Staying awake through the night negatively affects your hormone cycles and can disrupt your fertility.
If you work night shifts and have no choice but to be on an unusual sleep schedule, try to get as much sleep as you can when you’re not working.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while, consider visiting us at The Association for Women’s Health Care for fertility testing and counseling. You can schedule an appointment over the phone or online at either of our offices.
