Finding pregnancy through natural means may appear straightforward, but it can be more complex. Many factors must come together for natural conception to occur – including regular unprotected sex and knowing when you are most fertile.
A healthy woman stands a 20% chance of conception each cycle; this rate drops rapidly with age.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are chemical messengers responsible for controlling virtually every function in our bodies, with particular impact on fertility and pregnancy. Even small changes in our hormone levels can have far reaching ramifications; an unexpected spike or drop could have profound ramifications for reproductive outcomes.
In order for women to conceive successfully, hormone balance is key – from regular menstruation, pregnancy preparation and protection of unfertilized eggs all the way through thickening uterus lining so eggs can be fertilized – infertility can often result from hormone imbalance. Hormonal imbalance is one of the leading causes of infertility among women.
Hormonal imbalance in women can make ovulation impossible, leading to irregular periods and making trying for pregnancy challenging. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may also contribute to irregular periods.
Hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. If you experience unusual symptoms it is important to visit a physician immediately to receive tests and treatments to treat any hormonal imbalance that may exist – otherwise both your own health as well as that of your unborn baby could be at stake.
2. Illness
Pregnancy can be an incredible journey, yet sometimes can be hard work. A normal pregnancy often comes with symptoms like morning sickness, backaches and headaches; constipation, haemorrhoids and varicose veins may also arise during gestation.
If you suffer from chronic illness or condition, it’s important to remember that it could have an effect on your pregnancy. Take medication as directed by your physician and attend all recommended appointments with health care providers regularly; in particular make sure they know about any over-the-counter or herbal products you might be taking as these could not be safe during gestation.
If you suffer from a chronic disease, it is essential that it has gone into remission prior to trying for pregnancy. Avoid trying during flare-ups or starting new therapies which could be harmful for the baby and use birth control until you feel ready to become pregnant so as to avoid unintended pregnancies and any potential complications.
3. Lack of Time
Conception requires many components in order for it to happen naturally: the ovary must release an egg that has reached maturity, and healthy sperm must reach it to fertilize it within 12-24 hours after being released from its home in the ovary.
Women must ensure they engage in sexual relations during the “fertile window”, the five days leading up to and following ovulation, when eggs will remain viable for fertilization.
A soft and thickened cervix must develop, while its lining must prepare itself to accept fertilized eggs. Unfortunately, these processes can be compromised by illness, stress, travel, weight fluctuations, hormonal imbalances, or disturbed sleeping patterns.
Making healthy lifestyle choices such as getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, and cutting back on caffeine will increase the likelihood of conception. Calculating your pregnancy window and having sex before ovulation increases chances of conception further.
4. Stress
Stress may be normal under some conditions, but when it becomes excessive it can have detrimental effects on both you and your baby’s health. Unplanned pregnancy, fertility treatments and past miscarriage/death experiences are all potential sources of anxiety for women while waiting for results of antenatal tests as well as dealing with physical changes during gestation can all add up to create unnecessary tension in life and pregnancy.
Stressful events or prolonged tensions may weaken a woman’s immune system and increase her risk for certain birth defects such as spina bifida. Furthermore, it could increase cortisol levels which has been associated with low blood sugar in some pregnant women and with complications during delivery.
Stressful factors include poverty, lack of social support, domestic violence, crime, housing insecurity and hunger. If you find yourself overwhelmed by stress, talk to your practitioner. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or abusing drugs as a means of relief; do something physically active daily instead and eat well and get enough rest – these strategies may all help.
5. Diet
Your diet must include two serves of fruit and five of vegetables daily to increase your chances of conception, as well as some sources of iron (such as lean meats, poultry, fish or nuts) as well as wholegrain or high fibre carbohydrates such as couscous, quinoa or yams. Aim to limit foods high in saturated fat, added sugars or sodium.
Take a multivitamin that contains folic acid for increased fertility and the prevention of birth defects, starting before you get pregnant.
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is also crucial. Being overweight can negatively impact both your menstrual cycle and chances of conception. Furthermore, smoking or using illicit substances (street or prescription) during this time may pose health issues for you and the baby during gestation. Furthermore, making physical activity part of your life can assist with maintaining an ideal bodyweight.
