How Common New Year’s Resolutions Could Help You Have a Baby Next Year
As we’re approaching the end of the year and the beginning of a new, breathe and think of the possibilities for what the year will bring. If you’ve been thinking about getting pregnant, or perhaps, you’ve already been trying to get pregnant, this could be the year you become a parent! There’s no time like the top of a new year to start things off with a fresh outlook, make some adjustments, and take control over the things that will help create a positive impact on your everyday life, and better yet, help you become pregnant. These common New Year’s Resolutions could help you have a baby!
I Will Stop Smoking. According to The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility rates in both male and female smokers are twice as high as those who do not smoke. If you’re a smoker, it can be harder to achieve pregnancy, carry a healthy pregnancy, and deliver a healthy baby. Don’t just plan to cut back either. Even when you smoke “just a little”, your body will continue to suffer the consequences.
I Will Maintain a Healthy Weight. Being overweight can have a negative impact on the fertility of both men and women. Extra weight in women can cause hormonal shifts that can affect the regularity and occurrence of monthly ovulation and menstruation. It can also decrease conception rates and cause complications in pregnancy. For men, extra weight can affect healthy sperm production, both in numbers and mobility.
I Will Make My Diet “Fertility Friendly”. Did you know that certain foods can have a negative impact on fertility? Too many simple carbohydrates can lead to the overproduction of ovarian hormones which can interfere with monthly ovulation. Try lowering your carbohydrate intake and/or focus on eating complex carbohydrates instead. Also stay away from processed foods as they are packed with sodium, choose whole wheat instead of white, eat vegetables, lean meats, and low-fructose fruits such as berries. It’s a good idea to also limit your caffeine intake to just one cup per day.
I Will Get a Good Nights Rest. Research shows that the hormone leptin, which has a critical role in female fertility, is reduced when the body is deprived of sleep. Make a New Year’s Resolution to get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
I Will Exercise to Relieve Stress. Of course, exercise is great for maintaining a healthy body weight, but it is also a game changer when it comes to relieving stress. Research shows that many of the day-to-day stresses if life can be alleviated with just 30 minutes of exercise three to five days a week. This can be any kind of physical activity – a brisk walk, yoga class, or lifting weights. Whatever kind of exercise you enjoy, make a point to include it in your weekly regiment.
I Will Maintain a Positive Outlook. “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice” –T.S. Eliot.
For many, getting pregnant doesn’t come easy. If you happen to fall into this category, it is so important to maintain a positive outlook and keep hope alive. Do things that make you feel good – read a great book, get a massage, go out with friends. When you are happy, you feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally – all of which is good for your fertility.
Remember your beliefs, inner voice, and actions this year will impact your life and health regardless of if you have a baby this year. If you are experiencing issues becoming pregnant, the team at SIRM St. Louis can help. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our top fertility specialists at our St. Louis area location – Creve Coeur, Missouri– please call us at (314) 983-9000.
Happy New Year from the entire team at SIRM St. Louis!