WHAT TO AVOID OR LIMIT WHEN TRYING TO CONCEIVE

There are certain factors a birthing person may want to avoid or be mindful of to optimize the chances of conception and support a healthy pregnancy. 

1. Excessive Caffeine Intake: While a cup of coffee to start your day is generally safe, excessive caffeine intake may interfere with conception. Studies suggest that high caffeine consumption is associated with delayed conception and an increased risk of miscarriage (Hatch et al., 1993; Gaskins et al., 2018). Consider limiting your daily caffeine intake to support your fertility journey.

2. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that can compromise fertility in both men and women. Smoking has been linked to decreased sperm quality, disrupted hormonal balance, and an increased risk of miscarriage (Augood et al., 1998; Neal et al., 2020). Quitting smoking is a powerful step toward enhancing your fertility and promoting a healthy pregnancy.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: While moderate alcohol consumption may not significantly impact fertility, excessive alcohol intake can disrupt hormonal balance and reduce the chances of conception (Ricci et al., 2017). Consider minimizing alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether when actively trying to conceive.

4. Stress and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Chronic stress can negatively affect fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and menstrual cycles (Nepomnaschy et al., 2006). Explore stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to support your emotional well-being during the conception process.

5. Overexertion with Intense Exercise: While regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for overall health, excessive and intense workouts may negatively impact fertility (Hakimi et al., 2012). Strive for a balanced exercise routine that supports your fitness goals without overexertion.

6. Unsafe Medication and Unapproved Supplements: Certain medications and supplements may interfere with fertility. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements to ensure they are safe for conception.

7. Poor Nutrition and Extreme Diets: A well-balanced diet is crucial for reproductive health. Extreme diets or nutritional deficiencies can disrupt hormonal balance and impact fertility (Chavarro et al., 2007). Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support your fertility journey.

8. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as certain pesticides and industrial chemicals, can affect fertility. Minimize exposure to potential toxins and consider incorporating organic products when possible (Buck Louis et al., 2013).

9. Irregular Sleep Patterns: Inconsistent sleep patterns or insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal balance. Aim for regular and sufficient sleep to support overall health.

10. Inadequate Prenatal Care: Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid before conception to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Schedule preconception visits with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

By being mindful of these factors to avoid when trying to conceive, you empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed choices. Each person’s journey to conception is unique, and individual factors may vary. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific health conditions and circumstances.

References:

• Hatch, E. E., Bracken, M. B., & Kaufman, R. H. (1993). Caffeine and miscarriage risk. Epidemiology, 4(5), 353–361.

• Gaskins, A. J., Rich-Edwards, J. W., Williams, P. L., Toth, T. L., Missmer, S. A., & Chavarro, J. E. (2018). Prepregnancy caffeine and caffeinated beverage intake and risk of spontaneous abortion. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(1), 107–117.

• Augood, C., Duckitt, K., & Templeton, A. A. (1998). Smoking and female infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction, 13(6), 1532–1539.

• Neal, M. S., Hughes, E. G., Holloway, A. C., & Foster, W. G. (2020). Sidestream smoking is equally as damaging as mainstream smoking on IVF outcomes. Human Reproduction, 35(12), 2819–2827.

• Ricci, E., Bravi, F., Noli, S., Somigliana, E., & Cipriani, S. (2017). Alcohol consumption and male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 34(5), 441–457.

• Nepomnaschy, P. A., Sheiner, E., Mastorakos, G., Arck, P. C., & Dunkel-Schetter, C. (2006). Fecundity and fetal loss in women with stressful jobs: A prospective cohort study. Epidemiology, 17(2), 190–198.

• Hakimi, O., Cameron, L., & Laughlin-Tommaso, S.

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