Your fitness levels

A fit and healthy body is essential to maximise your chances of falling pregnant. An exercise regime can help to prepare your body for the physical demands of pregnancy by strengthening and toning your muscles before you conceive.

Exercise also enhances our immune system, boosts circulation and heightens our energy levels: all vital factors in preparing the body for making and carrying a baby.In addition, studies have shown that when we exercise, chemicals called endorphins are released into our brains, which make us feel naturally ‘high’ and help fight off the blues.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that excessive exercising may affect how regularly you ovulate, so it’s important not to overdo it. Avoid activities such as marathon running, excessive jogging, frequent high-energy aerobics and triathlon training. Stick to gentler ways to keep fit such as swimming or cycling.

Alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational drugs can have harmful affects on your fertility so you should stop taking these at least four months before you plan to conceive. Smoking can hinder ovarian function, and can reduce the success of IVF. It also adversely affects your unborn baby, so should be given up as soon as you decide to have a baby.

Woman who are overweight will find it much harder to become pregnant than those who are somewhere near their ideal weight. This is because fat cells in your body release estrogen, which can suppress the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Without FSH ovulation cannot occur. Being overweight can also result in complications once you’re pregnant, such as gestational diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, which can lead to pre-eclampsia. Don't be too disheartened though, most women only need to lose a small amount of weight to improve their fertility. Being underweight can have similar affects on the body to being overweight in the sense that estrogen levels can fall and this prevent ovulation.

If you’re planning to try for a baby see your physician for a physical to ensure you’re in the best possible shape before you conceive.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.