July 5, 2021

There are so many pregnancy perks to look forward to, like wearing pretty but comfy clothes, taking lots of daytime naps, and having people give you all the attention! While that may sound great, you should know that you may need to give up some of your favorite indulgences to improve your chance of conceiving. This post highlights a list of food, activities, and behaviors that you should avoid while trying to start or grow your family.

Smoking

We already know the reasons you should not smoke: risk of lung cancer, heart disease, premature aging, gum disease … and the list goes on. But if you are trying to conceive, smoking can lead to infertility issues and pregnancy complications. Women who smoke can have difficulty becoming pregnant, and men who smoke can suffer impotence and a low sperm count.¹

Caffeine

Call it a liquid comfort food, a daily habit, or even an addiction, but there is something so practical and yet so gratifying about sipping caffeinated beverages, hot or cold. However, studies have shown that drinking more than five cups of coffee a day is associated with decreased fertility. So while you are trying to conceive, it is wise to limit your caffeine intake. And when you do become pregnant, consuming more than two cups a day could increase your chance of miscarriage.²

Alcohol

You don’t have to skip the Girl’s Night Out soirees while trying to conceive, but do practice moderation when it comes to alcohol. Some research suggests that drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day is associated with an increased risk of ovulation disorders.³

Exercising Too Much

If you exercise, you’ll have a better chance of conceiving quickly than someone who isn’t active. However, just like everything else, exercise should be done in moderation. Strenuous, high-intensity routines can increase the time it takes to become pregnant. Vigorous exercise and weight loss also can lead to missed periods.⁴

Junk food

Enjoying junk food or fast food every once in a while isn’t necessarily a fertility deal breaker, but some studies show that eating fast food frequently or regularly before you become pregnant can lead to obesity. It also can increase the time it takes to conceive. Healthy foods like fruits have been linked to improved fertility.⁵

With a little pre-planning and simple lifestyle changes, such as watching what you eat, exercising, and taking prenatal vitamins, you can create the optimal scenario for improving your chances of conceiving.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.