If you’re trying to start or grow your family, taking a few smart steps to improve your preconception health can give you the edge you need to conceive. Eating well, hitting the gym, and reducing stress are all smart ways to get your body in prime baby-making shape. 

Best Strategies to Boost Fertility in Women

Let’s make getting pregnant less work — and more play! 

To optimize your fertility, it’s a good idea to start preparing your body 3-6 months before you start trying to conceive. Remember, stress can delay ovulation and increase the frequency of uterine contractions (which can make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall) – so keep tension in check by avoiding known stressors whenever possible and getting as much shut-eye as you can schedule. Breaking a sweat (the exercise-induced kind, that is) also helps reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to reproductive organs — all important baby-making factors. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet that is specific for your blood type, cut back on alcohol, quit smoking, and start taking a daily prenatal vitamin to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to grow a baby.

Even miracles take a little bit of time.

cinderella’s fairy godmother

Lastly, remember that getting pregnant takes time — six to 12 months on average for a fully-fertile couple. According to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health (OWH), about 10% of U.S. women ages 15-44 have difficulty getting or staying pregnant — and men, women, and unknown causes are all equally responsible for fertility issues. The odds are still in your favor even if you’re over 35, as you still have a 70% chance of getting pregnant without assistance, says the OWH. So stay positive and keep at it!