Trying to Conceive
Nutrition plays a crucial role not only during pregnancy but even before conception, both for the mother and father. Experts agree that while eating well during pregnancy is important, the period before trying to conceive is even more critical. If you want to have a healthy, happy baby, paying attention to your diet and that of your partner is essential.
What Should You Eat Before Trying to Conceive?
Many people think that once a woman is pregnant, that’s when they should focus on a healthy diet to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. While that’s true, it’s not enough. The period before conception is equally important, if not more.
If a mother continues unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs before trying to conceive, these behaviors can have lasting effects on the baby, even if she adopts a perfect diet during pregnancy. The same goes for the father. Expecting a healthy child while neglecting pre-conception habits is unrealistic.
The actions taken the night before trying to conceive are vital not only in modern medicine but also in traditional practices. Some essential points to consider before engaging in sexual activity for conception include:
- Emotional calmness is crucial. If the baby is conceived in love, the chances of a healthy child are higher.
- It’s important for the woman to feel pleasure during intercourse, as this reduces emotional stress and can aid conception.
- Eating a light but nutritious meal on that night is also recommended.
What Foods Should You Eat to Increase Fertility?
Healthy nutrition before conception can lay the foundation for the health of both the mother and the baby. Hormonal, skeletal, and digestive issues in some children are often linked to poor pre-conception nutrition. Many couples consult a nutritionist months before trying to conceive to ensure they’re following the right steps.
There are old sayings that eating sour foods might result in a boy, while sweet foods could result in a girl. Beyond that, the type of food you eat, especially its “warm” or “cold” nature in traditional medicine, can influence conception. For example, consuming “warm” foods may increase the chances of having a boy, while “cold” foods could increase the likelihood of having a girl. Although some of these beliefs are supported by science, others remain unproven.
Nutrition before conception should not disrupt the natural balance of the body. For instance, if a father has a naturally warm body temperature, sudden changes in his diet could cause problems for both him and the baby. It’s best to maintain a diet that aligns with both parents’ natural tendencies to avoid complications later.
Key Nutritional Tips for Both Men and Women Before Conception
Pre-conception nutrition involves specific guidelines that both partners should follow to improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy. Some important tips include:
- Avoid processed foods like soda, palm oil-laden snacks, factory-made chips, and processed meats for both parents months before trying to conceive.
- Eliminate smoking, alcohol, and drugs ideally a year or two before trying to conceive.
- Consume more warm foods (those considered beneficial for conception) and fewer cold ones.
By adhering to these guidelines, couples can improve their chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy and baby.