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    Fertility
    Updated at: January 17, 20254 min read

    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.

    A lady stood in a kitchen with vegetables spread out on a table in front of her

    1. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs

    Smoking

    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

    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.

    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.

    A pregnant lady practicing yoga

    Additional FAQs

    Why Is Timing Important When Trying to Conceive?

    Can Stress Delay Conception?

    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.

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    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

    Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.

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