If you are thinking about getting pregnant over 40, this is a huge decision as it is not the easiest thing in the world to do. OK, so the biological clock is closing in and the risk of miscarriage is greater, as are complications during labour but that’s not going to stop you trying, and nor should it. However, you need to know what you can do to help yourself conceive naturally and in the fastest time possible.
If you are thinking of getting pregnant over 40, there are some things that are even more important to alter in your life if they are there in the first place. The first one is to de-stress your environment. Excess stress can cause an imbalance in your hormones. This in turn will affect your periods that may become erratic or missing altogether. Walking and yoga are some really effective ways to reduce stress. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
I know that diet is always being promoted as a cure-all for everything but it really does make a difference. Changing to a healthy diet will make your body more welcoming for the baby and keep you stronger during the pregnancy. Include complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread and wholemeal pasta, lean meat and fish (particularly salmon), plenty of fresh fruits and green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Take some high quality vitamins and minerals without going overboard, as changing your diet will naturally increase your intake of essential vitamins. Some vitamins are not always easily absorbed and if you are getting pregnant over 40, then supplements of calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B6 would be helpful. Do check with your doctor first exactly what you need as they can do a simple blood test to show this information.
If you have not done so already, stop smoking and cut out alcohol, hopefully altogether. We have all heard the dangers about smoking and alcohol during pregnancy and it is always during the early stages that most damage could be done before we even know we are pregnant. As getting pregnant over 40 is more tricky in the first place, you could use all the help your body can give you.
Make sure to keep a record of your ovulation cycle. Buy a basal thermometer from the chemist to do this. A shift in body temperature will help you understand what is happening in your body and the most likely fertile time. You could also try an ovulation predictor kit that will help monitor your body with saliva or urine tests.
So, change your diet, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, get more exercise and avoid stress and hopefully, this will help you in your quest to getting pregnant after 40. Good luck.
If you really want to know the best way of getting pregnant over 40, read Lisa’s story (or mine!) as Lisa found a way to reverse infertility whatever your age… well, with a few exceptions! Read my story at www.silver-lines.com.