Seven Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Approximately 15 percent of American women between the ages of 18 and 44 have a difficult time getting pregnant. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (6 months for women over 35), you may be struggling with infertility.

Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors may affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase your chances of getting pregnant and have a successful pregnancy.

Seven ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant

Here are seven ways you can increase your chances of getting pregnant:

• Increase physical activity
  Regular moderate physical activity has shown to have a positive effect on fertility. However, be sure you’re consuming enough calories and hydrating as this can counteract your efforts, lead to irregular menstrual cycles and restrict fertility.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  Women who are overweight or underweight may experience fertility issues. Overweight women are more likely to experience a disruption in the development and quality of the fertilization process and embryo growth. Underweight women have a higher risk of ovarian dysfunction, infertility and preterm birth.
• Eat more antioxidants

Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility in both men and women. They work to deactivate free radicals in your body, which can damage sperm and egg cells.

• Avoid tobacco products
  Tobacco has shown to have negative effects on hormone levels and lead to earlier menopause. Giving up tobacco products may boost fertility in women.
• Lower stress
  Participating in stress reduction activities, like yoga, meditation, journaling and spending time with loved ones can support fertility processes, like ovulation, in women.
• Get the timing right
  The best way to get pregnant is to have intercourse at the right time in your cycle. Women ovulate about two weeks before their period, which means you are fertile about a week or so before then. To help you predict when you will ovulate you can use over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits and track your basal body temperature.

If you’d like to learn more ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant, call the experienced reproductive endocrinologists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility at 866-537-2461. We offer both male and female fertility testing services to ensure you receive the best possible care for your unique situation.