Every couples fertility journey is individual to them – there are many factors involved for those facing lower fertility odds or fertility struggles.
Building healthy habits when you are TTC or going through IVF can help with your physical, mental and emotional health, all of which need to be nurtured on your path to becoming a parent.
There’s never a better time than right now to adopt these habits towards better health, and giving your #fertility a loving boost.
1. Get enough sleep – Why is this the one thing we have always taken for granted? Without enough quality sleep our bodies can’t function properly – we are restoring and recharging while in the land of nod, which is an important factor for fertility.
Make your #sleep a priority and get some nighttime routines in place; go to bed and wake up at the same time each day and aim for 8 hours a night, no caffeine after 11am and no vigorous exercise at least 2 hours before bed
2. Have more sex! – I mean, this one seems to be a given when you are trying to have a baby, but it also can become routine and technical if you have been trying for a while. Knowing when your fertile window is, and when you may be #ovulating, gives you a better idea of when is the most crucial times to have sex.
A #FertilityAdvisor can work with you to track your cycle and estimate your most fertile days. This can also reduce the stress of becoming #pregnant, and bring some love and fun back in to your sexual relationship.
3. Eat clean – Have you heard the saying “Eat a Rainbow”? This applies to every stage of life, but is extra important during fertility and #pregnancy. Eating a diet that is rich in plant-based foods can reduce oxidative stress and slow accelerated ageing, balance your #hormones and help you to lose or maintain a healthy body weight, all of which are vital for fertility.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains are packed full of beneficial antioxidants such as folate, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and lutein.
Trans-fats should be avoided - they not only affect female fertility, but also may be playing a role in #spermhealth and testosterone production in men, and can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance in women (#PCOS)
4. Ditch the Booze – Alcohol consumption has been shown to alter a woman’s hormone levels the following day, so it’s not just your head that is feeling the effects of a big drinking session. While the occasional drink is ok, in a study of 10,000 women over 7 years, those who drank more than 14 units of alcohol per week had an 18% lower chance of conceiving, compared to those who had no alcohol.
Remember the reason you are doing this – it’s not forever! While you are on the health revamp, it’s beneficial to forget the fags and cut back on the caffeine as well. Try stick to 1 cup (200mg) of coffee per day
5. Practice Yoga – Have you heard of the effects stress has on fertility? We will keep this topic for another blog, but for now it might be worth channeling your inner goddess or practicing the cobra. Yoga alone won’t help you to conceive, but it promotes relaxation which reduces your stress levels and inflammation within your body. Moderate exercise and meditation are just two other forms of relaxation, but there are many other options
Whether you have not yet started #TTC, have been trying for a while, looking to slow your reproductive ageing or are undergoing #IVF, then it’s not too late to start looking after your health and giving your body a greater chance of #conceiving.
If you would like to discuss your options further, I would love the opportunity to speak with you and see how best I can assist you on your journey. Please click the following link to book a free, no obligations, 20 minute discovery session with me - https://rb.gy/ifiafb
I will also be launching some exciting new workshops and programs on hormone health in the New Year, so please opt in for my newsletter if you would like to be kept up to date!