How a Change in Lifestyle May Help Your Chances to Conceive
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 12 to 13 of 100 couples in the United States will have trouble conceiving. Infertility in women and men is fairly common, particularly as women are waiting longer to have children. While infertility can be caused by a number of problems including delayed ovulation and blocked fallopian tubes, there are other factors that can decrease your chances of conceiving.
HHS recommends that women who are trying to conceive should stop smoking, decrease alcohol consumption, avoid stress, and eat a balanced diet. An overall healthy lifestyle can help increase your chances of getting pregnant and carrying a baby to term. The Mayo Clinic also recommends avoiding exposure to toxins, limiting vigorous physical activity and watching the amount of caffeine you drink.
The Mayo Clinic notes that heavy drinking can increase your risk of ovulation disorders. It is recommended that in an attempt to conceive you should “consider avoiding alcohol completely.” Committing to sobriety while you are trying to get pregnant can not only help your chances of conceiving, but it can also promote a healthy fetus.
Consuming alcohol even during early stages of alcohol can have devastating consequences for your unborn child. Known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), there are several problems that can disrupt a child’s normal development when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy. Many women do not even know they are pregnant during the first few weeks, so it is best to stop drinking completely while trying to conceive.
If you are trying to conceive and cannot stop drinking, now is the time to consider treatment. Treatment for alcohol use is no longer a one-size-fits-all program. There are options for those who have developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.