You’ve heard it all before, stop drinking, smoking, caffeine and all prescription drugs.  But do you know why?   Here are the answers to those questions and a few more tips to add you your list in starting a healthy family naturally.

1.  Alcohol. When trying to conceive, it’s unclear what, if any, alcohol consumption is okay.  Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked with anovulation (no ovulation), amenorrhea (no periods), and abnormalities with the endometrial lining.  And moderate amounts of alcohol can affect the female hormones and throw off estrogen and progesterone levels.  Many fertility experts advocate avoiding it altogether because of the role it plays in the bodies delicate hormonal balance.  We all know that drinking while pregnant is not a good idea.  The US Surgeon General and the March of Dimes both warn of the problems with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the birth defects associated with it like severe learning disabilities, growth deficiencies, abnormal facial features, and central nervous system disorders.  Furthermore, Babies born to a mom who drinks also have a higher chance of preterm delivery — so avoid alcohol even during the two week wait.

1.    Tampons. With every box of tampons that is opened there is a warning pamphlet inside.  This pamphlet warns about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).  Toxic Shock Syndrome is a bacterial infection that can develop when a woman uses a tampon during her menstrual cycle.  It is natural for the menstrual flow to come out of the body.  Each time you use a tampon you risk developing bacteria, in small amounts, that could affect your reproductive system and make it more difficult to get pregnant.  In fact, in Chinese medicine, they do not believe in using tampons because it stops the flow of “chi” — you are supposed to let the blood out not stop it up with an object. It makes sense if you think about it, let that stuff get out the natural way!

2.    Stop putting caffeine into your body. Okay, you’ve heard this, but have you heard why?  The jury is out on how much caffeine is safe to take when pregnant.  Some doctors tell you to stay away from it completely.  Others will tell you that it is ok in small amounts.  It is known that too much caffeine will cause low birth weight babies.  If you are having infertility problems, you need to be aware of the affect that caffeine has on the body.  Caffeine imitates the flight or fight (stress) hormone (Cortisol).  When trying to get pregnant it is important to keep this hormone in balance.  When the hormone is elevated it blocks the absorption of progesterone.  The two hormones fight for the same receptor site.  Unfortunately the Cortisol will always win out over the progesterone.  Progesterone is a very important hormone when trying to get pregnant.  If you become deficient in progesterone you will either not be able to get pregnant or will have multiple miscarriages.

3.    If you are taking non-life saving medication, stop. Doctors don’t know the affects that medication can have on you, your pregnancy, and your baby.  If it is not necessary for you to take it, don’t.  Medications such as muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories can cause implantation problems or no implantation at all.  These medications include Advil and Ibuprofin.  Tylenol is listed as one of the safe medications to use, but it can damage your kidneys.  If it can affect your kidneys, what is it doing to your baby?  Work very closely with your doctor if you are on life-saving medications (this includes thyroid medications).  They will help to regulate your dose while pregnant.  Please remember that the FDA is currently under fire for approving medications that were suppose to be safe.

4.    Cleanse your body of the excess estrogen that is stored in your bowels. Estrogen dominance is a big problem in women today.  Xenoestrogens can be found in most of your household products, foods, pesticides, makeup, and plastics.  Xenoestroges are man made chemicals that react as estrogen in our bodies.  These estrogens are stored in our body fat and bowels and are reabsorbed in the body.  Too much estrogen and not enough progesterone will cause infertility in woman.  The lack of progesterone will make it difficult if not impossible for a woman to carry a baby to term.

5. Take your Pre-natal vitamins.  If you are not taking a prenatal vitamin, make sure you are taking a good multi-vitamin, folic acid, and a good B-complex vitamin.  The B-Complex vitamin will be important to help regulate your hormones; it acts as a hormonal anchor and it really helps your body naturally get rid of any excess estrogens or xenoestrogens.  Many estrogen dominant woman are B vitamin deficient — so take your B’s (they all help reduce stress!)