Pre-Conception

Planning to Conceive

Every couple cherishes a family and a woman cherishes her motherhood the most. However the decision to conceive a baby is solely dependent on a couple’s  individual decision . Today  due to increased economic power of women, late marriages and career centric couples on the increase, the desire to conceive a child is delayed by many till they feel absolutely ready to accept the responsibility associated with the upbringing of a baby.

However if you are planning to conceive then these few points can help increase your chances of conceiving.

Take supplements

 Folic Acid is the most important supplement needed by a mother to be as it significantly reduces the risk of your baby being born with spina bifida. However it is more beneficial to take this supplement when you have decided to try for a baby. Other supplements which are beneficial can be vitamin B, vitamin E and zinc supplements. Vitamin B12 has been found through various studies to be beneficial for not only women but it helps increase low sperm count in men too.

Zinc is well known as an important nutrient for both men and women to have. Insufficient zinc has been linked to causing chromosome changes, reducing fertility and increasing the risk of miscarriage. It’s also involved in sperm and is needed to make the ‘outer layer and tail of the sperm,’ so it’s another supplement for men to consider.

Taking  antioxidant vitamin E has been linked to an increase in fertility in both men and women.

Healthy Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet is necessary to keep us healthy and fit. Similarly during the baby making stage it is utmost necessary that both partners stay healthy and fit which means that a balanced diet containing five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day is needed to keep you healthy. Indian thali comprises of a very healthy diet avoiding the fried stuffs. So if you have a basic Indian meal comprising dal, chapattis, vegetables and rice then you can be rest assured that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid all kinds of junk food if you are really serious about the baby.

Increase frequency of having Sex

Make it a point to have sex frequently. The more you have sex, the more likely it is that you’ll catch your most fertile days, which help your chances of conceiving.  It is advisable to try the missionary position or the back position for increasing chances of conception. Lie down for 20 min at least after having sex to allow the sperm to move towards the ovary.  Avoid sexual fantasy positions or sex toys during this phase as it affects the sperm intake in the female reproductive system. It is said that for men who have sex frequently, their sperm counts will be slightly lower, but it won’t affect his ability to produce enough sperm to be viable.

Avoid Tight Clothes

This actually feels odd but it is a fact. Tight underwear , tight jeans and trousers actually reduce the sperm count in men and also affects their erectile function because of the heat they produce. Loose clothing tends to keep testicles cooler and away from body ensuring better chances of sperm production.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Doctors advise quitting both smoking and alcohol consumption for a woman when she is pregnant as it can cause disorders like fetal alcohol syndrome, cervical cancer while increasing chances of miscarriage. For couples who desire to have a baby, it is best to refrain from smoking completely to optimise their chances of conception. Although there has been no major studies showing accurately the harm of alcohol consumption on conception, it is however advisable to avoid it completely for conceiving a healthy baby.

 

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