There is a lot of advice and myths about fertility, but what is really true? Which tips actually help you get pregnant, and which myths are better to ignore?
In this blog we unravel some common fertility myths, supported by recent scientific research. This way you know exactly what works and what does not, so you can increase your chances of pregnancy.
Statement 1: Only the day of ovulation is fertile
Fact: Although ovulation day is your most fertile day, you can also get pregnant a few days before ovulation. This is because sperm cells can survive in your body for up to five days. So if you had sex a few days before ovulation, the sperm can still fertilize the egg because it survives so long in the body.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility shows that women are most fertile during the five days before and on the day of ovulation. By making use of your entire fertile period, you significantly increase the chances of fertilization.
What you can do: Use an ovulation test or track your cycle carefully (for example with a fertility app) to get the best possible overview of your menstrual cycle and thus calculate your fertile period.
Statement 2: Stress has no effect on your fertility
Fact: Stress can indeed have a direct impact on your fertility. Chronic stress disrupts your hormonal balance, which can make your ovulation irregular and decrease your chances of pregnancy.
Research by the Ohio State University shows that women with high stress levels had up to 29% lower chances of getting pregnant within a year. This is because stress increases the hormone cortisol, which negatively affects fertility.
What you can do: Try to reduce stress with techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. These techniques not only improve your overall well-being, but also your fertility.
Statement 3: Having sex every day increases your chances of getting pregnant
Fact: Having sex every other day during your fertile period is actually more effective than every day. This is because men's sperm needs time to recover and build up higher sperm quality. A study published in Human Reproduction showed that having sex every other day yields better results than having sex every day. This also prevents stress and pressure around sex and that it does not become a 'must'.
What you can do: Make sure you have sex every other day and make it a pleasant and romantic moment. Make sure you are both relaxed. If necessary, plan a night away around the fertile period, or just make it a special romantic evening. This lowers your stress level and maximizes your chances of getting pregnant.
Statement 4: Vitamins are not really necessary during pregnancy
Fact: Many people believe that a healthy and varied diet is sufficient to get all the necessary nutrients during pregnancy. Although a balanced diet is certainly important, it does not provide the full coverage of essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs during this crucial period. During pregnancy, you have an increased need for certain nutrients, which cannot be fully obtained through food alone, even if you eat very healthily. This is why supplements are necessary to support a healthy pregnancy.
Why are vitamins important besides healthy food?
During pregnancy, your body must absorb more nutrients to support both you and your growing baby. Although healthy food forms a good basis, there are some crucial reasons why supplements are necessary:
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Increased need for specific nutrients:
Your body works harder during pregnancy to support the growth of your baby, which leads to an increased need for all vitamins and minerals. -
Nutrient loss due to preparation and processing:
Many vitamins are lost during the preparation and processing of food, such as vitamin C and folic acid, which are more sensitive to heat and processing. This means that even if you eat foods rich in these nutrients, you often do not get the full amount. -
Differences in nutritional quality:
Even healthy food can contain fewer nutrients than you think. The nutritional quality of vegetables and fruit, for example, is highly dependent on soil conditions and growing conditions, which can mean that even a varied diet falls short in vitamins.
Although healthy food plays an important role in your fertility, your body needs extra support through good vitamins and minerals. The Preconception supplements from MomPwdr are specially developed to promote your fertility and optimally prepare your body for pregnancy.
The Preconception supplements from MomPwdr contain important nutrients such as folic acid (Folate Quatrefolic®), zinc, selenium, and omega-3, which improve the hormonal balance and support the quality of eggs. They supplement your diet and ensure that you get all the essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for conception.
What you can do: Supplement your healthy diet with the Preconception supplements from MomPwdr to give your body the best chances. Combine this with a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats, for the best result.
Statement 5: The age of the man has no effect on fertility
Fact: Although the age of the woman is often emphasized, the age of the man also plays an important role. After the age of 40, the quality of sperm decreases significantly, which can lead to complications or a lower chance of fertilization.
Research published in Nature shows that older men have an increased risk of lower sperm quality and genetic abnormalities in the sperm. This can cause it to take longer for you to get pregnant.
What you can do: Nutrition and lifestyle are also very important for your partner. Especially if your partner is 40 years or older, nutrition and changes in lifestyle can positively affect sperm quality. Want to know how your partner can best adjust their nutrition and lifestyle? Feel free to contact us at info@mompwdr.com.
Know what works and increase your chances of pregnancy
It is essential to separate facts from myths if you are trying to get pregnant. By following proven strategies and letting go of fertility myths, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Want to learn more about how you can optimize your fertility? Through our newsletter, you will regularly receive scientifically supported tips and information about getting pregnant, pregnancy, and everything that happens after your pregnancy. Also read the blog: 'How do I get pregnant?'
Sources:
- Wilcox, A.J., Dunson, D.B., Weinberg, C.R. (2001). The Timing of the "Fertile Window" in the Menstrual Cycle. Fertility and Sterility, 76(2), 416-422.
- Dunson, D.B., Baird, D.D., Colombo, B. (2002). Coital Frequency and Fertility in Healthy Couples. Human Reproduction, 17(4), 1045-1050.
- Lynch, C.D., Sundaram, R., Buck Louis, G.M. (2014). The Impact of Psychological Stress on Reproductive Function. American Journal of Epidemiology, 180(4), 258-265.
- Eisenberg, M.L., Meldrum, D., et al. (2020). Male Age and Its Influence on Reproductive Outcomes. Nature Reviews Urology, 17(4), 211-222.
- Gaskins, A.J., Chavarro, J.E. (2018). Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Reduced Fecundity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(1), 162-176.
