5 Lifestyle Choices that Improve Fertility

Lifestyle choices can improve fertility for women who want to get pregnant now or in the future. These are 5 things you can do to help your chances of becoming pregnant.

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Fertility: Eat Right

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important if you want to get pregnant. Being significantly overweight or underweight can interfere with fertility. Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in antioxidants and low in processed foods.

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Fertility: Protect Yourself from STIs

Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections can damage a woman's reproductive organs. Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners. If you get a vaginal or cervical infection, get it treated immediately. See your doctor regularly to protect your health and fertility.

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Fertility: Get Moderate Exercise

Moderate exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight and level of body fat. If you don't get enough exercise, it will be easier to fix that before you start a family. Very high levels of exercise and low body fat can sometimes interfere with regular ovulation and your ability to become pregnant.

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Fertility: Limit Your Exposure to Toxins

Eliminate or reduce your exposure to substances known to inhibit fertility. Evaluate your diet for the worst offenders including caffeine and alcohol. Don't use tobacco, cocaine, or other harmful drugs. Even some prescription medications such as thyroid replacement treatments may have implications for your fertility. Talk with your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant so that this can be taken into consideration for any conventional or alternative health treatments that you may pursue. Buy organic produce if possible or wash produce carefully to remove residue from pesticides. Take proper safety precautions if your job, household tasks or hobbies expose you to potentially dangerous chemicals. Wear protective devices if your job makes them advisable. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and work outdoors or in a well ventilated room if you are using paint or gardening chemicals.

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Fertility: Manage Stress

You probably can't eliminate stress from your life, but you can try to find ways to manage it. Cultivate a healthy relationship with your partner and a strong support network. Resolve conflicts constructively. Seek assistance if you have difficult circumstances or if you suffer from depression or anxiety.

These lifestyle choices can help you get pregnant, and they're good for you and your baby.