Things Not To Do If You're Trying To Get Pregnant
When trying to conceive, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what you should do. Avoiding certain habits, substances, and lifestyle choices can greatly improve your chances of conception and ensure a healthier pregnancy. In this guide, we’ll cover common pitfalls to avoid while trying to get pregnant, helping you stay on track.
Key Takeaways:
Avoid Harmful Habits
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs can make it harder to get pregnant and harm a developing baby. Quitting these habits improves your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.
Moderation is Key
Don’t overdo caffeine, exercise, or supplements. Too much coffee, intense workouts, or excessive vitamins (like too much vitamin A) can negatively impact fertility or pregnancy.
Plan and Stay Healthy
Keep your weight in check, manage stress, and time sex during your most fertile days. This creates the best chance for a successful and healthy pregnancy.
1. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
Smoking
Smoking harms fertility in both men and women, increases miscarriage risk, and can damage a developing foetus.
What to do instead: Quit smoking before trying to conceive. Consider using stop-smoking aids to help you.
Alcohol
Heavy drinking can interfere with ovulation and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
What to do instead: Limit or avoid alcohol entirely while trying to conceive.
Drugs
Recreational drugs can make conception more difficult and raise the risk of miscarriage or complications.
What to do instead: Seek support to stop using drugs before trying for a baby.
2. Watch Your Caffeine and Exercise Levels
Caffeine
Too much caffeine can impact fertility. Limit your intake to less than 200 milligrams daily, roughly one to two small cups of coffee.
What to do instead: Switch to herbal teas or decaffeinated options.
Intense Exercise
Overdoing exercise (more than 60 minutes a day or 5 hours a week) can affect ovulation, particularly if you’re at a healthy weight.
What to do instead: Opt for moderate activities like yoga or walking.
3. Avoid Exposure to Toxins
Pesticides, Solvents, and Heavy Metals
Exposure to harmful chemicals can negatively affect fertility, especially in men.
What to do instead: Use natural cleaning products, avoid handling pesticides, and steer clear of environments with heavy metal exposure.
4. Manage Your Weight and Stress
Weight Issues
Being overweight or underweight can disrupt ovulation and reduce fertility.
Extreme weight changes may also lead to hormonal imbalances, miscarriages, or gestational complications.
What to do instead: Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly. For those needing assistance, weight loss medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Orlistat can help, but avoid trying to conceive while taking them.
Stress
Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy behaviours (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption) and disrupt ovulation.
What to do instead: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress.
5. Don’t Overdo Vitamins and Supplements
While vitamins are essential for preparing your body for pregnancy, excessive amounts (e.g., too much vitamin A) can harm a developing baby.
What to do instead: Use a multivitamin designed for conception, such as Hashmat Health Pregnancy Formula, which contains folic acid and vitamin D.
6. Do Not Stop Prescribed Medicines Without Medical Advice
Stopping medications abruptly can have serious consequences for your health and fertility.
What to do instead: Consult your doctor to ensure your current medications are safe for pregnancy or find suitable alternatives.
7. Don’t Reduce the Frequency of Sex
Regular sex increases your chances of conceiving.
What to do instead:
Learn your ovulation window to time intercourse during your most fertile days.
Aim for intercourse every two to three days throughout your cycle to maximise your chances.
Additional FAQs
Why Is Timing Important When Trying to Conceive?
Understanding your menstrual cycle and ovulation timing is crucial for successful conception. Ovulation tests can help pinpoint your most fertile days.
Can Stress Delay Conception?
Yes, stress can interfere with ovulation and reduce libido, which in turn impacts conception efforts.
Final Thoughts
Conceiving requires more than just timing—it’s about creating the best possible environment for pregnancy. Avoid smoking, alcohol, excessive caffeine, and exposure to toxins. Manage your weight, reduce stress, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to tailor your approach.
For more information on how to prepare for pregnancy and treatment options, visit UK Meds. All purchases of prescription medications are subject to an online consultation with a registered prescriber.
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
Related Blog Posts
Here to help you
Our Customer Service is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999. Visit our help section