Are you and your husband ready to welcome the pitter-patter of little feet? Whether you’ve just married or been together for years, chances are you’ve been asked, or teased, about when you’ll be having babies of your own. Perhaps you’re even looking to expand your current brood!
The decision to conceive is a very personal one, and many couples run into difficulties or uncertainties around having babies. In fact, 1 in 6 couples in Singapore face difficulties in conceiving. says Dr. Roland Chieng, Medical Director for Virtus Fertility Centre.
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“Falling pregnant is more than meets the eye, and this is a fact that often eludes couples as they get excited about entering parenthood,” says Dr.Chieng.
“Many couples fall into the trap of only starting to change their lifestyles when they want to conceive. While age remains the largest factor affecting fertility, it is important to keep in mind that your lifestyle habits can have profound effects on your fertility too.”
Here are five ways to increase your chances of having a Rooster baby this year.
It is a common misconception that the day of ovulation is the best day to have intercourse to conceive, says Dr Chieng. A woman’s most fertile days, also known as her fertile window, are the days leading up to ovulation. He recommends that couple have regular sex every two to three days during the fertile window, for a better chance of conception. This is because once an egg is released, it survives for a mere 24 hours, while sperms can retain fertilising capabilities for two to three days in the fallopian tubes. Understanding your own menstrual cycle is key to giving you and your spouse a good chance of conceiving naturally, or with fertility treatments.
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Boost your chances of conception by performing some fun acrobatic moves the next time you have sex. It doesn’t matter which position you choose, as there is no one sex position that has been scientifically proven to boost your fertility.
Being physically fit does not equate to being fertile, but maintaining a healthy weight with nutritionally- balanced diets and a moderate exercise routine helps greatly. Exercising reduces tension and the production of stress hormone cortisol, which can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Staying calm and relaxed will boost your fertility, especially if you’ve been experiencing anxiety around conceiving.
Excessive use of alcohol and caffeine imposes a negative effect on one’s heath, which in turn affects your fertility. The Health Promotion Board recommends that pregnant women or women who plan to conceive should not drink, as alcohol consumption by pregnant women can result in their babies having major and permanent birth defects like fetal alcohol syndrome..
Some studies have also shown a link between high levels of caffeine consumption and delayed conception. The American Pregnancy Association recommends a moderate amount of caffeine for women looking to conceive, which is about 150 mg – 300 mg a day.
Folic acid supplements are widely recommended by fertility experts to increase your chances of conceiving; they can also be found in foods like dark green leafy vegetables, beans and orange juice. Other nutrients to stock up on include iron and zinc, which can be found in meat, eggs and fish. Even mens’ fertility can benefit from these nutrients, so you and your husband should eat these foods together.