Nanny to Mommy

The journey to starting a family is unique to each person. For some, it seems to happen without them even thinking about it. For others, conception is a far longer process. So if you've been trying to have a baby for a while now, and it hasn't happened yet, try not to worry too much - it's said that one in seven couples experience some difficulties conceiving. There is so much that modern medicine can help with, and our understanding of the causes of infertility is advancing all the time.

Your first port of call should be your family doctor, who can make some tests to determine whether you have any underlying conditions which may be preventing you falling pregnant, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. But there are also lifestyle factors you can choose to address yourself. Taking steps to boost your fertility naturally can help you feel more in control of the situation and maximize your chance of falling pregnant naturally. 

There are some obvious fixes to make, such as cutting out alcohol and limiting your consumption of processed foods, but you can also try adding nutrients into your diet that have a track record of boosting fertility. Vitamin D is a great place to start - especially if you live in an area that gets less sunshine. Studies have shown that women who are Vitamin D deficient are only half as likely to get pregnant as those with adequate levels. Taking Omega 3 fish oils can also be beneficial, as they can help to regulate female hormones, especially for those who have PCOS. 

There are lots of treatments within complementary medicines that are worth exploring too - especially things like fertility acupuncture, which has been shown to improve rates of pregnancy in those undergoing IVF by 65 per cent. It can also help to release tension and stress, which is a huge factor. Stress interferes with ovulation, and the more each month goes by with no little blue line appearing, the more stress builds. It's important to tackle it early, and there are a few things you can try, such as hypnotherapy and breathing techniques, or even downloading a mindfulness app to your phone. Set aside the time to unwind each day and manage your stress levels in other areas of your life, such as work. 

Support your body for conception by stocking up on Vitamin B12 and folic acid, as there is some scientific evidence that women taking these supplements are more likely to conceive and sustain a pregnancy. 

When it comes to getting pregnant, extremes are no good when it comes to your weight. Being either overweight or underweight can have a large impact on your ability to conceive. If you're too heavy, you may be susceptible to insulin resistance, which can affect hormones and ovulation. Too thin and you can also suffer hormone imbalance. A visit to a nutrition specialist and a healthy diet plan could be a really important step.