Infertility can be devastating. While effective treatments exist, they can leave you feeling as though your body is working against you. If you take steps to prepare while you explore your infertility treatment options, you can reduce stress, improve your overall health, and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
You don’t need to be pregnant to take prenatal vitamins! These vitamins are designed to provide your body with the nutrients it needs for a healthy pregnancy. Vitamins are an especially effective way to ensure that you’re getting enough folic acid.
If you don’t have prenatal vitamins already, you should talk to your doctor to see if there’s a particular vitamin that they recommend. Your doctor may advise that you take these vitamins with food. Not only will this reduce the risk of nausea, but it can also help your body to properly absorb the nutrients from the vitamins.
Change Your Sleep Habits
Your body needs sleep in order to properly function. That’s why it’s a wise idea to improve your sleep hygiene and take steps to ensure that you’re actually getting an appropriate amount of rest each night. You should start going to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re getting an ample amount of sleep. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. You may want to use an app that will monitor your circadian rhythms. This will allow you to set a sleep schedule that works for you.
Lead a Healthier Lifestyle
You can’t be too healthy when you’re trying to prepare for pregnancy. Try to add more whole foods to your diet so that your body is well-nourished. Make sure you’re getting gentle exercise each day. Yoga and walking are both great options, as is stretching. You should also monitor your water intake. Dehydration is more common than you would think. You may want to add lemon to your water so that it’s easier for your body to absorb.
Above all else, you should take care of yourself and be kind to yourself during this difficult time. Stress takes a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Find creative outlets that will help you to relax when your stress levels are high. Exploring your infertility treatment options can cause stress levels to rise, but proper stress management should bring your stress back down.