Things To Avoid When Trying To Conceive

#1 Lube

While the evidence isn’t 100 percent on this one, it’s thought that the pH of most lubricants isn’t exactly welcoming to your guy’s sperm. That isn’t to say that lube is a spermicide. It isn’t, and should never be used as a form of birth control. But, if you’re trying to conceive, you might want to steer clear of the usual suspects. It might be in your favor to go au naturel for now. If you really, truly can’t get by without it, some lubricant manufacturers make products that are considered sperm friendly.

#2 Tuna

Some fish are higher in mercury than others—most notably marlin, orange roughy, tilefish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and ahi and bigeye tuna. High levels of mercury in the blood have been linked to fertility issues in both men and women. Plus, mercury can stay in your system for a year or more, and can harm a fetus's developing brain and nervous system, so avoiding it will increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Love seafood? There's plenty that's considered low-mercury, including anchovies, catfish, clams, crab, crawfish, flounder, haddock, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimp, sole, squid, tilapia, trout and whitefish. You can have two six-ounce servings of low-mercury seafood per week while pregnant.

#3 Skipping the Dentist

If you've been lax, now's the time to get back on track with your dentist appointments — and make sure you're flossing. You and your partner should both get your pearly whites super-healthy before you get pregnant. Poor oral hygiene can affect a man's sperm, and if you have gum disease, it could increase your risk of having a premature delivery and low-birth-weight baby.

#4 Known Bad Habbits

Smoking. Illegal drugs. Alcohol. Caffeine. Oh, come on — we all know that these are major no-no’s, especially when you’re trying to conceive. Unless you’re Betty Draper or you’re stuck in some sort of mystical Mad Men-era time hop, you’ll want to stay far, far away from any of these. There’s nothing good that can come from taking an occasional puff or downing a few shots when you’re trying to make a baby.

#5 Being A Coach Potato

Keep making excuses not to exercise? Stop! One study found that doing regular, moderate physical activity—brisk walking, leisurely cycling, golfing and gardening—cut the amount of time it took women to get pregnant.

You’re all about taking it easy during this precious time. Sure, that’s fine, but avoid sitting still for too long. Staying (or getting) in shape can help decrease stress, reduce blood pressure and make you healthier for what’s to come.

#6 Overexercising

You want to stay fit, but you don't want to overdo it. While you shouldn’t be a couch potato, going too far the other way isn’t good for your body either. Unless you’re already a train-all-the-time athlete, now isn’t the time to go crazy with physical activity. Moderation is key. Take a jog, go to Pilates, spend some time on the treadmill. Just don’t make the gym your second home while you’re in baby-making mode.

#7

Several studies have found that alternative medicines, such as yoga and acupuncture, have actually shortened the time it took for infertility patients to get pregnant.