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For all the couples out there who are hoping to get pregnant in 2020, we’ve put together a list of things that you can do to work towards your goal. Some of these things are easy to accomplish and take minimal effort, but some require you to invest more time and energy in them. Read on to find out more!
#1: Evaluate your situation
Effort involved: ✓ out of ✓✓✓
The two major things you’ll want to consider here are:
- Your age
- Whether you’ve already been trying to get pregnant for a long time
In most cases, older women tend to have a harder time getting pregnant - so if you’re 35 or older, you might want to consult with a gynaecologist immediately instead of trying to navigate the situation on your own.
If you’re under 35, but you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or more!) without any luck, you’ll want to speak with a gynae as well. Your gynae will probably get you and your partner to undergo a fertility test, so that they can determine if you have any medical conditions that are interfering with your fertility.
#2: Download a fertility app
Effort involved: ✓ out of ✓✓✓
The easiest way to track your period? Use a fertility app! Some of the most popular apps out there include Clue, Kindara, and Natural Cycles.
If you don’t want to rely on an app, check out these alternative methods of tracking your period.
#3: Buy a sperm-friendly lubricant
Effort involved: ✓ out of ✓✓✓
Not many folks know this, but most lubricants that you buy off the shelf have been shown to affect sperm motility. Obviously, that’s not good news for couples hoping to get pregnant.
That said, there’s an easy fix: purchase a sperm-friendly lubricant such as Astroglide TTC, Pre-Seed, or Yes Baby. We haven’t seen these in any local stores, but you can purchase them on Amazon and other eCommerce sites.
#4: Stop douching
Effort involved: ✓ out of ✓✓✓
We know some women feel like they have to douche to keep their privates clean, but this is categorically untrue.
Plus, consider this: when you douche, you destroy the protective bacteria in the vagina, which increases the chances that you’ll contract bacterial vaginosis (BV). Assuming your BV goes untreated, this then impacts your fertility, and makes it harder for you to get pregnant.
#5: Go on vacation
Effort involved: ✓✓ out of ✓✓✓
What has going on vacation got to do with getting pregnant? Fun fact: couples are increasingly conceiving while they’re on vacation, to the point where “conceptionmoons” have now become a thing.
Yes, you’ll have to do some planning and sort out all the logistics, so organising your conceptionmoon does take some work. But hey… now you have an excuse to treat yourself to a relaxing holiday!
#6: Drink more water
Effort involved: ✓✓ out of ✓✓✓
When you consume enough water, this helps your cervical fluid stay in tip-top condition. This, in turn, makes it easier for your partner’s sperm to travel towards your fallopian tubes to fertilise your egg.
We know that many folks find it struggle with drinking more water, but there are many things you can do to remind yourself. For example, keep a huge bottle on your desk at work, or set a recurring alarm and drink up everytime your alarm goes off.
#7: Avoid using personal care products with harmful chemicals
Effort involved: ✓✓ out of ✓✓✓
Chances are, the commercial soap, shampoo, conditioner, or makeup that you’re using contains harmful chemicals that can disrupt your fertility.
Bearing this in mind, we recommend switching out to personal care products that are made with natural ingredients, and are paraben-free.
#8: Change your diet
Effort involved: ✓✓✓ out of ✓✓✓
This one’s fairly straightforward - eat more vegetables and eat a balanced diet, and cut back on sugary snacks, processed food, and alcohol. Check out these hacks to help you eat clean (even if you have no willpower).
#9: Exercise more
Effort involved: ✓✓✓ out of ✓✓✓
We all know that we should exercise at least thrice a week, but most of us find it hard to commit to this. That said, the better shape you’re in, physically, the easier it’ll be for you to get pregnant.
To help you finally embark on a consistent workout regime this year, here are 6 tricks that make working out less of a pain.
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