What you eat is feeding the baby you’re carrying as well, so no matter how much you love your morning coffee, a drink in the evening, or a bag of chips for lunch, ask yourself first if you would feed this to your baby once it’s been born. While some things are alright in moderation, others should be avoided entirely and replaced with a healthier substitute.

Alcohol

This is one of the habits you should refrain from entirely. As soon as you decide you would like to conceive, both you and you partner should cut alcohol out of your lives as it not only has an effect on the developing fetus, it can affect your egg and sperm cells as well. You should continue to avoid alcohol while breastfeeding as it can still be passed along to your baby through your breast milk.

During your pregnancy, consuming alcohol could cause birth defects and abnormalities. Regular consumption could even result in fetal alcohol syndrome or other complications. This, among illegal drug use, is one of the most important habits to avoid as it can have a severe impact on the health and well-being of your unborn child.

Cigarettes and Tobacco

Smoking is a major cause of health problems and can be responsible for diseases such as emphysema, lung cancer, and other respiratory related illnesses. If you’re a smoker, quitting from the time you decide to conceive until the time you’ve finished breast feeding will keep your baby it’s healthiest. Once your baby is born, it would still be a good idea to refrain from smoking, or at least not in the house or around your baby. Second hand smoke can be just as harmful, so try to avoid frequently being in the vicinity of people who are smoking while you are pregnant.

Caffeine

Small amounts of caffeine should not have a negative affect on your unborn baby, but avoiding it as much as possible is a good idea. A high level of caffeine intake could be harmful and may result in birth defects or increase your risk of miscarriage. It can also be a diuretic which could lead to dehydration and calcium loss.

Sugar and Junk Food

Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners can increase the risks of diabetes and other health problems. Your growing baby could become bigger which may mean a more difficult delivery for you. Eating unhealthy junk food will leave you feeling full, but you won’t be getting any of the nutrients your body requires so try to limit your intake of packaged and processed food and stick to a healthier diet.

Knowing what’s in the food you eat will help to keep your growing baby in the best health possible. Avoiding meat products that have been exposed to steroids and hormones or eating vegetables grown in clean, uncontaminated soil are some steps you can take to ensure you’re doing everything you can to bring a healthy baby into the world. Little things like switching out coffee and pop for juice and water can make a big difference in your baby’s health in the long run.

Not everyone has an easy time of conceiving a baby, but there are some things you can try that could increase your chances. Not only can certain factors play a part in conception, you can take steps right from the start to ensure you’ve done everything to have the healthiest baby possible.

Maximizing Sperm Count

A healthy sperm count is vital in increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Keeping his manhood cool will go a long way in giving him healthy and abundant sperm. Avoiding tight briefs, hot showers, and hot tubs will help to keep his manhood cool. Sperm count can be higher in the morning before your body start becoming more active and heating up throughout so that may be a good time to try conceiving.

Quitting Those Bad Habits

Smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can all have an affect on egg and sperm production. Both men and women should refrain from these habits while trying to conceive. If you stay healthy, your reproductive materials while be healthier as well. When you do conceive, you’ll be reducing birth defects and abnormalities that could come with damaged egg or sperm cells.

Pregnant women should continue to avoid these substances while pregnant as they can have a negative affect on the developing baby. If her partner smokes, quitting or being sure to smoke away from her will prevent any inhalation of harmful second hand smoke.

Stay Fit and Healthy

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can reduce stress, increase stamina, and keep your body in a tip top baby bearing condition. Stress can affect your ability to conceive, so sticking to a decent workout plan can eliminate tension while helping you feel great. Regular exercise should be continued once you’re pregnant as well to give yourself a strong and healthy body to nurture and protect the baby within.

Avoiding junk foods and getting the proper nutrients can also increase your chances for conception as your reproductive organs will function to their full potential when your body is at its healthiest. Be sure to stay hydrated, get the right vitamins, and detoxify your body with the proper diet and supplements.

Visit Your Doctor

It can be an excellent idea to see your doctor if you’re having trouble conceiving to determine if both you and your partner are capable of having children. If there is a specific existing problem, such as low sperm count, your doctor will be able to give you the right advice to help you increase your chances. If you or your partner are taking any prescription medication, check with your doctor to ensure these aren’t affecting your chances of becoming pregnant. Your doctor may also be able to assist with timing your menstrual cycle and ovulation periods to determine to best times to be trying for a baby.