1. Maintain a healthy weight
For women, being underweight, overweight and even over-exercising may lead to infertility, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For men, obesity is also associated with infertility due to lowered sperm count and motility, according to the National Infertility Association. Therefore, couples should maintain an optimal body weight to increase the chance of getting pregnant.
Diets favouring whole grains, fruits, vegetables, poultry, and seafood are associated with better fertility in women and better semen quality in men, according to a review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2017.
Avoid going on fad diets, as those who take on restrictive diets for short periods of time often get fed up quickly, start over-eating, make poor food choices and regain the weight they lost. Fad diets can also deplete your body of the nutrients it needs for a healthy pregnancy. Consult a dietitian who can help you lose weight in a way that suits your lifestyle.