This is a collaborative post.
Fertility is more complicated than you might think. One thing you may not know, for instance, is that many of your lifestyle choices can have an impact on the likelihood that you will conceive a child, as well as how quickly that can happen.
This is the case for both men and women, despite the misconception that infertility issues are because of the female party. With that said, if you’re hoping to have a baby one day, you might be wondering how you can adjust your lifestyle to increase your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. Read on for some advice from a fertility clinic in London.
Diet
We all know that what we eat affects our health, but this also includes our reproductive health. With this in mind, you should consider your diet and make some changes where necessary.
Plenty of fruit and vegetables is a must, as well as oily fish. The Mediterranean diet is a good one to follow because it’s rich in antioxidants.
Vitamin C, for example, is important for reducing cellular damage throughout the body, so increasing your intake can prevent problems with sperm and eggs.
Try and avoid processed food and large amounts of caffeine, even during your period when you might be tempted to reach for comfort foods. You should also cut back on alcohol, or better yet, avoid it altogether.
If you happen to be lacking in certain vitamins, you may want to consider taking supplements, but this is something you should discuss with your doctor.
For women who are trying to conceive, folic acid is usually recommended because this is crucial during the first few weeks of foetal development and can prevent certain birth defects.
Exercise
Exercise is important for your overall health, but sometimes too much of it can have a negative effect on fertility. Women who exercise vigorously, for instance, may impact their menstrual cycle which would make it difficult to conceive.
On the other hand, not enough exercise can also damage fertility, so it’s important to find a healthy balance.
Consider something like a brisk 30-minute walk each day, or another type of exercise that raises your heart rate. Moderate exercise in this manner may reduce the risk of miscarriage, and it can also prepare the body for pregnancy and labour.
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you’re probably fed up with being told to quit. However, doing so may help increase your chances of conceiving. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage the genetic material in eggs and sperm. If you need help quitting, this is something you can discuss with your doctor.
