Couples tend to assume, when they're ready, they'll be able to conceive without a problem. Unfortunately health issues, stress and lifestyle choices can prevent the dream from becoming a reality. The good news is there may be ways to improve chances of becoming pregnant---without the use of fertility drugs or treatments.
Diet
Eating well improves the odds for pregnancy. That means eating a diet that's rich in protein, zinc, iron and vitamin C; not getting enough of these can result in long menstrual cycles and less-frequent ovulation, says Parents.com, the website for "American Baby" and "Parents" magazines. Taking a daily multivitamin---and eating protein-rich foods like meat, beans, rice, tofu, fish and low-fat dairy---helps ensure dietary needs are met.
Weight
Being overweight can negatively impact chances for getting pregnant. Likewise, being too skinny can pose problems because not having proper hormone levels can either prevent ovulation or make carrying a pregnancy to term impossible. Dr. Christopher Williams, a reproductive endocrinologist at the University of Virginia, recommends striking a healthy balance in his book, "The Fastest Way to Get Pregnant Naturally." Maintaining a healthy weight while establishing a reasonable exercise routine is important as long as the doctor gives a green light to get active.
Smoking and Drinking
Dr. Robert Barbieri, head of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, cautions against smoking---and not just during pregnancy. His book, "6 Steps to Increased Fertility," notes smoking damages ovarian function. Because drinking alcohol has been shown to impact estrogen levels (and therefore can prevent ovulation), it's also a good idea to avoid booze.
Timing
When a woman is fertile, she should regularly have sex to increase her odds of conceiving. Ovulation occurs about 14 days after the first day of a woman's previous period. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it's best to have intercourse every other day beginning five days before the anticipated ovulation date. Ovulation predictor kits can help pinpoint ovulation.
Stress
Depression and stress can cause women to have problems conceiving. Yoga and meditation---and creating serene surroundings---can help improve chances.
Cough Syrup
A 1982 article in Fertility and Sterility revealed taking guaifenesin---which includes expectorant-only over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin or Diabetic Tussin---improves cervical mucus when 200 to 400 mg is taken three times daily five days prior to ovulation (along with plenty of water throughout the day).
For the Guys
It's not all about her, of course. The type of underwear a man wears can play a role in his fertility. Studies, such as those published in "Lancet" and "Reproductive Toxicology," showed wearing loose-fitting underwear---such as boxers---can improve a man's fertility. Because exposure to xenoestrogens (like DDT, PCBs, dioxin, industrial pollutants, and plastics) that mimic the effects of estrogen, men also should consider avoiding using plastic storage containers, char-broiled foods, chlorinated products and beverages and synthetic deodorants and cosmetics as well as alcohol and caffeine. It's also important to know some of the same rules that apply to women hoping to get pregnant also can be applied to the men in their lives; it's important for guys to eat right, exercise and take vitamins (vitamin C and zinc in particular) when trying to conceive, according to Dr. Zoltan Rona, author of "Fertility Control: The Natural Approach."
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