- Prenatal vitamins are vital when trying to conceive. They have higher levels of iron and folic acid as well as a number of other vitamins and nutrients you need to stay healthy. Taking a prenatal vitamin can actually balance your hormone levels. Once you are pregnant, your OB/GYN will prescribe these vitamins, however, they are really needed earlier.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption to get rid of dangerous pesticides that can be harmful to your body.
- Consume whole grains (whole-wheat breads and wild rice), nuts and legumes (almonds, roasted peanuts, and sunflower seeds), and lean meats and fish, which provide vital protein. Olive oil and abundant fruits and vegetables are also recommended. These foods will ensure your body is healthy and working properly, which aids in conception, and forms good eating habits you need once you do conceive.
- Avoid raw eggs, raw and processed meats, ready-to-eat salads, liver, and soft cheeses. Raw eggs or meats (including fish like sushi) are dangerous to the mom-to-be because they carry diseases that can make you sick; a compromised immune system because of sickness can actually inhibit your conceiving ability. Soft cheeses can contain a specific bacteria--listeria--that is harmful, and liver contains an unhealthily large supply of Vitamin A.
- When trying to conceive, avoid recreational drugs, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and artificial sweeteners. Drugs and alcohol can alter your menstrual cycle and ovulation.
