What can I do to increase my chances of conceiving?
Q: I want to get pregnant this year. What can I do to increase my chances of conceiving?
Jason Jackson, naturopath and fertility specialist, says:
When you are prepping for conception, give yourself a three-month time frame. This is roughly how long it takes for the egg you will ovulate with to form.
Initially, you should try timed intercourse. First, record your basal metabolic temperatures to track your peak ovulation per month - special thermometers are available for this. When practising timed intercourse, the general consensus is the "day on, day off" rule. This means if you are ovulating on day 14 of your menstrual cycle, you should have intercourse the day before and after. This will also help your partner replenish his sperm supply.
Ensure your diet includes a high intake of wholesome foods. Where possible, purchase organic food, because it is dense in nutrients and chemical-free. A reasonable amount of protein, particularly before conception, will assist in metabolising necessary hormones.
Take a good multivitamin supplement to ensure there are no nutritional shortfalls in your diet. Zinc is important for both you and your partner, as it will promote a hormone balance in your bodies. About 50 milligrams each day is essential for the proper development of sperm. Vitamins C and B12 will also assist in this. Nutrients such as folic acid and omega 3 are vital, as they assist in conception. Omega 3, found in good fish oils, also helps against the threat of miscarriage.
Dark-green leafy vegetables are another important element of your diet. This is because they are high in chlorophyll, which is excellent for detoxifying the body. Detoxification protects the body from unhealthy chemicals, one of the biggest factors contributing to infertility.
Men should try to wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight garments can cause sperm to overheat, which affects their mobility and, therefore, fertility. Simply switching from briefs to boxer shorts will help prevent overheating.
Keep in mind that if you are coming off the Pill, it can take a few months before your period re-regulates itself. You should give yourself as much time as possible and try not to place too much pressure on yourself, because the stress will make it difficult to conceive.
Article first appeared in Sunday Life
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