The journey to pregnancy is very exciting but conceiving can also be more complicated than expected. You might think it is as easy as having unprotected sex but there are many more variables that come into play when trying to conceive. The main variables are: Periods, hormones and nutrition. In this guide, we’ll break down the main things you should focus on when planning to conceive.
We are dedicated to changing the conversation around fertility, and making it more inclusive, proactive, and supportive – and our guides are based on these principles. After reading (or listening! All our guides are available in audio too!) all the information, we believe you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more prepared when planning for TTC.
Periods
Periods occur about 400 times in our lifetime and a lot of the time they can go by unnoticed. However, they can actually give you a lot of insight into what is going on with your fertility.
If you compare your periods with another friend, you’ll realise no one has the same experiences. There is a lot of variation in the amount and timeframe a woman bleeds. What is your normal might not be the same for another. You may have heavy periods, light periods, painful periods, irregular periods – all of these things can be an indicator of your reproductive health.
It’s a good idea to keep track of your periods either in a notebook or – since we’re in the 21st Century – one of the many period and fertility trackers available. Monitoring your periods will give you more information about your menstrual and your fertility and can also help you narrow down your fertile window. We are most fertile the few days leading up to – and the day of – ovulation, so learning to understand your cycle and recognise the signs of ovulation can be hugely beneficial for you when planning to have a baby.
Hormones
Hormones are another huge indicator of your fertility, ovulation and general reproductive health. There are key hormones that play a part in all of this. It can all get very confusing but the main hormones to be aware of include:
- Anti mullerian hormone (AMH)
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Prolactin (P)
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
It is important to equip yourself with all the information you can about these hormones. Understanding them will help guide you with planning when TTC as well as identifying any potential issues you may face. A great way to get a handle on your hormones is to take a test. These tests can be easily done in the comfort of your home using a simple finger prick sample – we offer at-home hormones tests here at Parla, and you’ll get a full breakdown of your reproductive hormones as well as advice on next steps.
Nutrition
Nutrition is not only important in everyday life but also crucial when it comes to TTC. Whilst there are many nuances to a healthy weight, BMI is a good indicator of whether your weight could impact your fertility.
Your height and weight is used to calculate your BMI. Body Mass Index. This BMI number is a measure to determine an individual’s healthy weight. It is the division of your weight (kg) by your height (m) squared. The BMI of 18.4-24.9 is considered a healthy weight. Anything below means underweight and anything above the threshold is considered overweight.
If you have a BMI under 19, your body can retreat into a state of famine as it is trying to protect you and your future baby. It can switch off your ovulation to prevent the risk of malnutrition for both of you. Excessive exercise can do the same. The risk of miscarriage also increases in women with low BMI. Healthy eating is not only important for your fertility but also for the health of your baby during pregnancy. Your baby eats what you eat. It is important to maintain the good weight range so that means moderation of exercise and enough calorie intake to keep a healthy weight.
Here is a quick cheat sheet on healthy eating:
- Make meals high in fibre and starchy carbohydrates
- Get those daily dose of fruits and vegetables
- Eat more fish
- Wave goodbye to saturated fats and sugars
- Cut down on salt – it is linked to high-blood pressure
- Get out and about – exercise in moderation
- Keep hydrated
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, do not skip it
Sperm
Let us not forget, it takes 2 to make a baby: an egg and a sperm. Sperm health is also a big piece of the puzzle. It is important to note that male fertility issues make up 30% of overall fertility issues in couples. The common sperm troubles are:
- A lack of sperm – you may have a very low sperm count or no sperm at all (a low sperm count, also called oligozoospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen)
- Sperm that aren’t moving properly – this will make it harder for sperm to swim to the egg
- Abnormal sperm – sperm can sometimes be an abnormal shape, making it harder for them to move and fertilise an egg
In our guide we’ll talk all about the sperm health and the natural ways you can improve it.
How will the Parla guide help me if I’m thinking about conceiving?
Preparation is key planning for TTC. It might seem like you are taking the fun out of sex but it might actually increase your chances on conception. There is no harm in planning and keeping a good fertility timeline, and when the time comes just enjoy and let your body do the rest.
More questions our guide will answer:
- What does each hormone do?
- How important is contraception and planning for TTC?
- What are the common potential complications of fertility?
- Is preserving fertility a good option for me?
- Should men get their sperm tested?
At Parla, we are committed to empowering you with the information needed to make proactive decisions about your fertility journey. Our guides and expert-led community are here to support you and at every step of your journey. Learn about your body, understand your options and take control of your fertility.
Are you ready to learn more about trying to conceive? Meet us at Parla and access all of our guides, as well as an expert-led community, guided meditations and
This post is here to provide educational information only. It does not provide medical advice, and does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Parla does not replace your relationship with any general practitioner or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or diagnosis or treatment.
