Don'ts When Trying to Get Pregnant

If you're trying to get pregnant, it's important to act like your pregnant before it actually happens. This includes eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, taking vitamins and getting plenty of exercise and sleep. Too much or too little weight as well as bad habits, such as drinking and smoking, may reduce your chances at getting pregnant as well as negatively impact your pregnancy.

Diet

Whether you are under or overweight, both scenarios impact your chances of getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor to determine whether you are at a healthy weight to support a pregnancy. If you are overweight, it is generally not safe to start a diet or to try to lose weight once you are pregnant. Start eating a healthy, well-balanced diet right away. Avoid foods that are high in fat, calories, sugar and sodium. Stop drinking alcohol as well. According to the March of Dimes, alcohol may lower your chances of getting pregnant.

Exercise

Maintain a physically active lifestyle while you are trying to conceive. Don't turn into a couch potato. Exercise helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. It also helps make labor and delivery much easier later on. Spend at least 30 minutes a day on a moderately-intensive activity. Go swimming, hiking or work out at the gym. Go for a walk or learn how to do yoga.

Stress

Too much stress may interfere with your menstrual cycle, which may cause you to think you are pregnant when you really are not, as well as make it hard to track when you are most fertile. Find ways to reduce stress in your life. Learn deep-breathing techniques, exercise or get more sleep. Talk to your partner, family or friends whenever you feel emotional or overwhelmed. Sign up for a massage, get your hair and nails done or read a book.

Other Considerations

If you or your partner smokes, stop. Not only will smoking make it harder to get pregnant, it will also negatively impact your baby once you are. Even second-hand smoke is considered dangerous. It is also important to stop doing drugs. Not only will these drugs interfere with your ability to get pregnant, they may also do serious harm to your baby as well as cause preterm labor or premature babies. Reduce your exposure to hazardous chemical and chemical odors from cleaning supplies, chemicals and paint as well.