Natural Remedies for Trying to Conceive

Natural Remedies for Trying to Conceive


For some couples, trying to conceive can be as exciting as it is challenging. Those that are trying to establish a pregnancy can feel overwhelmed when, month after month, they fail to conceive. 

While there are many medical options for couples who prefer more aggressive intervention, there are also things a couple can do to enhance their natural fertility and increase the chances of establishing a successful pregnancy. 

Many of the best methods of natural fertility enhancements involve education as well as general health and well-being. However, there are also some supplements and herbs that can increase your chances of getting pregnant. 

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Education and General Health

Understand your cycle.
If you haven’t already, pick up the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Understanding how your cycle works, how to identify your fertile periods, and how to maximize your chances of pregnancy is half the battle.


Record your cycle. 
Understand what your “normal” looks like. Not every woman’s cycle is exactly the same. Your cycle may be 28 days, 30 days, or as long as 35 days! Establish what your normal looks like so you can more easily understand your fertile window.

For help with understanding and recording your cycle, you may consider trying the following:
1. Fertility Awareness Method
2. Technology such as OvuSense or MiraCare

Strive for a healthy weight.
Being either overweight or underweight can disrupt a woman’s endocrine system. Without enough fat, the body cannot adequately produce progesterone which is required to sustain a pregnancy. When a body has too much fat, there is stress on the adrenals and the thyroid which causes progesterone levels to fluctuate in an unhealthy way.


Eat more healthy fats. 
Healthy fats are good for every part of the body. They reduce inflammation and promote healthy circulation, as well as enhancing the health of the reproductive system. Most of the fats in your diet should be polysaturated or monosaturated. 


Reduce stress
Stress is a fertility killer. It causes the body to exist in a fight or flight state. When anxiety levels are high, the body perceives a threat. Whether or not a threat is real, the body responds by existing to help you survive. So as a method of protection, it suppresses fertility. ​

​Supplements

​Supplement with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for proper hormone regulation as well as many aspects of overall health. 

Take a prenatal vitamin
Most of the time, we think of a prenatal vitamin as something you take during pregnancy. But if you are trying to conceive, it’s best to start before you establish a preganancy. Now, a single prenatal vitamin will not give you all that you need to be healthy as you are trying to conceive. However, it will help supplement some of the things your body may be lacking.


Supplement with iodine
The thyroid has been called “a woman’s third ovary” by some health professionals. It is critical that the thyroid is operating optimally for someone that is trying to conceive. The thyroid requires iodine to be fully functional and operational. Most Americans are deficient in iodine and many people believe that the US recommendations for iodine intake are far too low. 


Avoid Unfermented Soy products
Some studies suggest that soy can interfere with a person’s endocrine system, whether male or female. There is conflicting information on this, however some studies have seen an increase in fertility when soy products have been removed from the diet. If you’re trying to conceive, it may be a good idea to try removing it for a while.

​Herbal Supplementation

There are a number of herbs that are knows to help with fertility. However, it should be noted that use of herbs should always be used under the supervision of a care provider. Herbs can be very powerful, and as such, care and intention is prudent when employing them. 

It’s also helpful to note that many of these help support a healthy menstrual cycle. So while they may help you as you are trying to conceive, they may also be useful to employ for general health before and after pregnancy as well.

Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is known for its ability to stimulate the ovaries which in turn stimulates egg production. It’s also an old wives remedy for menstrual cramps.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is often talked about as an induction method, but it also helps balance the ph of a woman’s fertile cervical fluid. In addition, it is known to treat hormone imbalances.

Chasteberry or Vitex
Chasteberry can help increase a woman’s progesterone levels. Progesterone is necessary for establishing and sustaining a pregnancy, so women who have low progesterone may benefit from this. 

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle has been used for decades for a variety of women’s health conditions. It is most talked about as an agent for stimulating milk production when breastfeeding. But it can also help prior to pregnancy for general ovarian support and improving egg quality.

Ashwagandha
This herb is known to support many aspects of a woman’s health. It can improve egg quality, help women who are suffering with PCOS, regulate a woman’s cycle, and correct hormone imbalance.

General health is critical when trying to conceive. But a little extra support can go a long way. Happy baby making!

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