Planning a baby is a big step. As one in every six couples face fertility problems in India, this whimsical process of making a baby ends up becoming strenuous and stressful for many. Even though some fertility problems are not preventable, there are some vital steps that can help ease the process. Here are simple tips that can help couples conceive faster:
- Eat healthy: Food and fertility are closely linked. Consume balanced diet consisting vegetables like spinach, broccoli etc., whole grains and protein. Reduce the intake of processed foods.
- Stay active: Engaging in moderate physical activity improves hormone balance, blood flow and maximises your chances of conception. Try brisk walking, light jogging, cycling and sports like swimming.
- Track your fertile days: It important for couples to calculate their most fertile days as every woman has a different cycle which is controlled by her hormones. Use fertility monitors which can identify up to six fertile days of your cycle.
- Reduce stress: Stress tends to reduce the release of fertility hormones and can suppress ovulation. Try meditating or yoga to calm your nerves.
- Reduce caffeine: Cut down on caffeine and eliminate alcohol. Alcohol can aggravate problems like irregular periods and hamper ovulation.
(The author is a gynaecologist at Narayana Healthcare’s Women’s and Child Institute)
Published 31 May 2018, 11:53 IST