Now that we’re aware of the statistics of getting pregnant after 40, what can I do to increase my chances of not only becoming pregnant but staying pregnant to deliver a healthy baby in my 40’s? Well, after my own experience and as well as thousands of other womens’ experiences, here are a few suggestions on increasing your pregnancy odds.
Having low progesterone is very common for women in their 40s, but it is vital for both becoming and staying pregnant. Many women have taken Vitex to increase their progesterone levels and stop taking it once they get pregnant. However, your OB should test your progesterone levels before you start your pregnancy after 40 journey, and if it is determined that your levels are low, they can prescribed you a progesterone supplement for you as well.
For those of us who are not fitness fanatics, we need a little encouragement in this area. The good news is that you don’t need to overexert yourself, but simply committing to walk at least 30-60 minutes 4-5 days a week will do wonders for you mentally, emotionally and physically. My Fitbit Inspire (one of the cheaper models) allowed me to set minimal goals and achieve them as well. And if you have a spouse and/or other children already, then take them with you on your stroll – you all can use the fresh air!
With work, meetings, spouses, parents, children, household chores, the list of commitments is endless. With the pressure of trying to do all of them is exhausting because oftentimes we stay up trying to finish them or toss and turn in the bed all night thinking about how much we have to do. Guess what? Those things will ALWAYS be a part of your life. The best way to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the never-ending rat race is to sleep. At least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep consistently will allow your body to reset and foster an environment in which conception can occur. Julie Chang, author of “Cracking the Egg Myth: Proven Ways to Improve Egg Quality” suggests that her clients get sleep first and foremost to get pregnant after 40 years old.
Those are all things you need to do to release the subconscious stress that is pent-up inside of you. For me personally, when I finally and truly released the negative emotions from my previous relationship that I thought I had already dealt with, I was immediately able to get pregnant. Deal with your anxiety, hurt, pain, anger, resentment, heartache, etc. and appreciate all of the positive and good things that you have going on in your life, your body will become a place of peace for you to conceive.
Many women have touted that changing their eating habits, be it going Keto, drinking an abundance of water (getting a motivational water bottle made it easy for me to drink at least a ½ gallon of water a day) or cutting out sugar for starters has led to them losing weight and being able to conceive naturally. When you rid your body of certain toxins as a result of unhealthy eating, then you’re supplying your body with all of the nutrients it needs to conceive and support a healthy pregnancy.
Need even more suggestions? Check out my book 40 Fertility Tips for Women over 40!