Trying to Get Pregnant in Jacksonville, FL Soon? Here are 8 things to know!
Hello Jacksonville, FL moms and hopeful-moms!! Today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact fertility. While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many other things that may be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it! When I started out as a newborn photographer I really had no idea how many women struggled to get pregnant and how many women lose multiple babies before being able to take home their first precious newborn. Their strength continues to inspire me, and if you are struggling to get pregnant, just know that you are NOT alone! We are here for you and if that is the only thing you take away from reading this blog post I am 1000% ok with that.
Before we dive in, I just wanted to offer a quick friendly reminder that while this blog post provides helpful information, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're having fertility issues. This blog post is meant to be helpful and informative but it's definitely not a substitute for medical advice.
Okay, now let's get started!
Stress:
Turns out that the daily stressors of adulting can actually impact your fertility. Stress can mess with ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and even decrease sperm count in men. Think about finding fun ways to reduce your stress levels, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy. (Insert local resources for these options)
According to a study, women with high levels of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for stress, were found to have a lower chance of getting pregnant compared to women with lower levels of the biomarker (Lynch et al., 2014).
When my husband and I were trying to have our first baby we were also simultaneously trying to move out of the country to Slovakia while I was wrapping up my university. Needless to say, it was a pretty stressful time. The interesting thing was, as soon as the planning was done and I had finished school, I got a phone call from the doctor’s office that there was no need for me to come in and check to see if there were any major issues because I was already pregnant! A similar thing happened to a friend of mine: she really strives to keep an organized and clean home. While she was trying to get pregnant her home was under construction and it was incredibly stressful for her! As soon as the construction was done and her home was once again tidy and organized… boom! She happily got pregnant and now snuggles constantly with her adorable baby girl.
2. Lack of Sleep:
Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health, and it also plays a significant role in fertility. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods. A 2022 study found that women who slept for less than six hours per night had a higher risk of infertility compared to women who slept for seven to eight hours per night (Poli et al., 2018).
If you’re struggling to get enough sleep right now due to maybe having a other kids or your work schedule, maybe set a reminder on your phone that it’s time to wind down for the night and start turning in. My husband decided he wanted to stop looking at his phone so much at night so he installed an app that turns everything black and white at 10 pm, and it really does help deter him from doom scrolling!
3. Poor Diet:
Is it just me or is this a realllllly hard one?? I LOVE a good burger and some fries, but apparently eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for your fertility. Foods that are high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease sperm count.
An easy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet is to buy them frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as buying them fresh, but they don’t go bad as quickly. Additionally, many grocery stores now offer pre-chopped or pre-washed produce options that make healthy eating even easier!
My favorite way to get in my daily greens is a smoothie with my kids after school or a salad from Crave in St. Augustine downtown… they have the BEST healthy food options while still feeling like you’re eating something special.
4. Environmental Toxins:
Toxins in the environment, such as pesticides, lead, and phthalates, can interfere with fertility in both men and women. Limit your exposure to these toxins by choosing organic produce, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding plastic containers with BPA.
Turns out, the environment we live in is full of toxins that can mess with our baby-making abilities. From nasty pesticides to harmful phthalates, these sneaky little devils can affect both men and women. But hey, don't sweat it! Just opt for organic produce, natural cleaning products, and say goodbye to those plastic containers with BPA. Easy peasy, right?
My husband and I decided to go plastic-free for our laundry detergent years ago and started using Earth Breeze, love the smell and how easy it is to store! I also had a mom I nannied for years ago tell me about the foam ammonia-free glass cleaner she used by Sprayway, I use it to this day… You can read more on this study here, it’s quite interesting! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396757/
5. Alcohol:
While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, heavy drinking can have a significant impact on fertility. Heavy alcohol consumption can decrease sperm count, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk of miscarriage. This would probably be easier for me to cut back on now in my 30s than it was in my 20s while my husband and I were still having a lot of fun going out with our friends. I definitely do NOT feel the need to heavily indulging anymore and have a feeling most 30-year-old-somethings can relate to that
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/
6. Over-Exercising:
I see you, you Lulu wearing Pelaton enthusiast. ;)
Sure, exercise is great for your overall health, but did you know that too much of it can actually be harmful to your fertility? Over-exercising can mess with your hormonal balance, decrease sperm count, and even cause irregular periods in women. So, don't go overboard with your fitness routine. Aim for a moderate exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio and strength training.
7. Poor dental health
As if we didn’t have enough reasons to go to the dentist regularly, now we can add “helping with fertility” to the list! Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can affect fertility.
My mom is a dental hygienist and used to tell all of us kids about how dental health is one of the most important things you can do as an adult. It is so crazy how your mouth’s health has an effect on your entire body, I never would have thought that to be true!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812457/
8. Vitamin D deficiency
This sunshine vitamin is a big player with fertility, regulating hormone levels and making sure those little eggs and swimmers develop healthily. If you're lacking in vitamin D, your fertility might suffer!
I always struggled with seasonal depression in Slovakia when I lived there and realized how important it was to take the right vitamins and make sure to keep up my Vitamin D. If you’re lazy to go shopping for vitamins like I am, it can be good to stock up on BOGOs at CVS or have them on repeat order on Amazon. So, get out there and soak up some sun or take a supplement.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22275473/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
Fertility is a complex issue, and there are many factors that can impact your ability to conceive. By being aware of these 8 lesser known things that can affect your fertility, you can take steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant. If you're looking for beautiful and meaningful photography to capture your journey to motherhood whether naturally or with IVF, I invite you to check out my newborn photography portfolio.