Things You Can Do That Might Increase Your Chances of Conception

Ovulation charts and fertility apps are great tools that can help you track the best times to conceive, but technology can only take you so far. While some factors behind infertility are beyond your control, adopting the right habits can better set the stage for pregnancy. 

Here, our fertility experts at CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, share their top strategies to help you on your journey to parenthood.

Know your cycle

You can’t get pregnant at any time during your cycle; the window for conception is surprisingly short. Pregnancy can only occur within the first 12 to 24 hours after your ovaries release an egg, a process called ovulation.

Ovulation occurs about midway through your cycle. Once the ovaries release the egg, fertilization must occur quickly before the egg becomes unviable. 

Tracking your ovulation with an app, fertility calendar, or an ovulation predictor kit can help you identify the best time to have intercourse for the highest chance of conception.  

Maintain a healthy weight

Weight can affect your fertility, whether you’re overweight or underweight. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight can support hormone balance, ovulation, and reproduction. 

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to us or your primary care provider for guidance. 

Eat a balanced diet

Good nutrition is an essential part of your pregnancy plan. Eating well before pregnancy not only supports conception but also sets you up for a healthy pregnancy.

Fruits, vegetables, and foods fortified with folate are important for a healthy pregnancy. Folate is a B vitamin required for the development of the brain and spinal cord. Not getting enough folate during the early stages of pregnancy can lead to birth defects. 

But it’s not just folate. You also need adequate amounts of calories, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods from all the food groups ensures that your body gets everything it needs.

Manage stress

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and interfere with ovulation. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help your body function at its best, benefiting your chances of conception.

Exercise, journaling, and meditation are good outlets for stress. Living mindfully can also help. 

Prioritize sleep

Get enough sleep. Poor sleep stresses the body, which can negatively affect fertility. Make sleep a priority, aiming for about 7 hours a night.

For improved sleep, keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, avoid screens an hour before bedtime, and keep your bedroom cool and dark.

Talk to our fertility experts

While the above tips can help most people improve their chances for pregnancy, if you continue to struggle to get or stay pregnant after a year of trying, or six months if you’re 35 or older, our team is here to help.

At CARE Fertility, we specialize in identifying the cause of infertility and creating a personalized, effective plan to help you achieve your dream of parenthood. Call us today or book an appointment online.