How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

If you’re trying to get pregnant, you’re probably willing to try anything that might improve your chances of conceiving. From changing your diet to timing intercourse around your ovulation schedule, there are a lot of preconceived notions about what will and won’t help you get pregnant. So, what does the science say?

Changes you can make to increase your chances of conceiving:

1. Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of infertility, so if you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to quit. Smoking damages the fallopian tubes, making it harder for eggs to travel down them and be fertilized them. In addition, smoking decreases the quality of a man’s sperm. So, if you’re trying to conceive, both partners should quit smoking.

2. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it harder to conceive. In addition, being obese can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery. To increase your chances of conceiving, aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30.

3. Get regular exercise
Moderate exercise is good for both your overall health and your fertility. However, strenuous exercise can actually decrease fertility by affecting hormone levels. So, moderate exercise is the key here—aim for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Walking, swimming, and biking are all great options.

4. Manage stress
While some stress is inevitable, chronic stress can negatively affect fertility. When you’re stressed out, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with ovulation. To manage stress levels, try yoga or meditation.

If you’re trying to conceive, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting pregnant. From quitting smoking to maintaining a healthy weight, making some simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in boosting your fertility.