Most of us may think that having a baby is a natural and easy process. While most couples do experience this on most occasions, others may find it difficult to conceive even after a few months of trying. We have some useful tips for the both of you to boost your chances to conceive. Let’s dive right in!

Fertility Tips For Her

• Maintain a BMI of 20 – 25: Having a healthy body mass index (BMI) is associated with better fertility health. Pregnant women who are overweight often face issues with gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. So, adopt a well-balanced diet of unprocessed foods comprising fresh vegetables, protein and whole grains to boost your nutritional intake. Drink lots of water too, as it helps in digestion and keeps everything working well. Include regular exercise into your schedule and your body will soon be on its way to be healthier.
• Take folic acid: A folic acid deficiency can lead to anaemia, which may cause infertility according to researchers. Folic acid supplements can also help reduce the chances of spina bifida (a neural tube defect) in your baby by up to 92%.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine may reduce your chances of conceiving. So do not exceed 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily when you’re trying to conceive. That akin to two 236ml cups of weak brewed coffee. Alcohol is generally prohibited during pregnancy, so why risk it in your attempts to be pregnant?
• De-stress your life: We have become accustomed to having stress in our lives and may even wear it as a sign that we are living impactful lives. Nothing can be further from the truth. If you’re trying for a baby, stress will definitely have a negative impact on your efforts. Relaxation methods such as meditation, massages and slow yoga movements can help overcome stress effectively.
• Get your rubella shot: If you haven’t had a rubella (German measles) immunisation, get one ASAP. Rubella can cause miscarriages, birth defects and stillbirths, so it is definitely in your unborn baby’s interest to keep this viral infection at bay.

Fertility health tips for him

• Maintain a normal BMI: Like women, it’s important for men to keep active and maintain an ideal weight. Obese men have 22% lower sperm counts when compared to their fitter peers. It is recommended to aim for a BMI of below 28.
• Don’t smoke!: Each stick of cigarette contain toxins which are capable of drastically reducing the quality of one’s sperm. If you need an incentive to quit smoking, this is definitely good one.
• Control or avoid alcohol: Studies have shown that alcohol affects male fertility. Reduce your beer intake or abstain from it totally when you are trying for a baby!
• Keep those testes cool!: The sedentary lifestyle causes men to produce low quality sperm as their testes are prone to heating up. Wear lose and comfortable boxer shorts instead of tight briefs, as it helps the testes to stay cool. Keep the laptop off your lap. Also, stop having hot baths or saunas and opt or cool showers instead.
• Eat well: Fill up your plate with foods high in healthy antioxidants such as fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, green tea and dark chocolate. This helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals on your sperm.
• Medication: Talk to your doctor on the medications you are taking to ensure that none of them are adversely affecting your sperm count and quality.

It’s All About The Right Time

The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test is a sophisticated and efficient method of monitoring ovulation by measuring the change in Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels in a woman’s body. A peak in LH occurs approximately 24 to 36 hours preceding ovulation. Identifying this time frame allows a woman to prepare in advance and make the most of her ‘fertile’ period.

Just hold the tip of the test device in your urine stream. A clear and accurate reading is obtained and you’ll know if the time is right or otherwise.