10 Self-Care Tips to Improve Egg Quality

You have decided that you’re ready to make an addition to a growing family, and now you’re wondering what to do next. Thanks to technology and modern methods, there are several ways for women to have a child. Now, age is only a slight circumstance when it comes to fertility. The true determining element is egg health. Whether women choose to conceive naturally or through Surrogacy, both have to ensure that their egg quality is the best that it can be for childbirth. Other factors in the pregnancy process include stress, diet and hormones. When all these components are met this can lead to high egg quality. 

What is Egg Quality? 

Egg health is an integral part of female fertility. A decline can cause reproductive issues which can last several years. High-quality eggs are most likely to develop into an embryo. Egg cells also can’t regenerate, making it somewhat hard for childbirth to commence. 

Thankfully there are both natural and at-home remedies for advancing egg quality. Many of these things are as simple as changing your eating habits and incorporating mindful practices into your lifestyle. 

Here are ten tips for improving your egg quality when preparing for conception:

Eat a Nutritious Diet

The saying goes “You are what you eat!” Eating healthy food can improve your overall health. Consider switching your diet and removing trans fats, refined carbs and processed foods from your daily menu. Maintaining a healthy balanced diet is a way of improving your eggs and reproductive system. You can also exchange those unhealthy foods with wholesome and balanced options that will help keep hormones stable. Try incorporating foods like dark leafy veggies, fatty fish, berries and nuts. Even though you may be tempted to grab a box of pizza or eat a bowl of ice cream, try your hardest to enjoy these things in smaller amounts. 

Exercise Moderately

Movement is an important factor for keeping both your physical and mental health strong, as moderate activity can also assist fertility. Exercising regularly can improve blood flow to the ovaries and help maintain healthy eggs. Staying active also boosts endorphins – the happiness hormones, which can result in a positive and satisfied mindset. You don’t have to go overboard with physical activity but something as small as a daily walk can make a difference. Other exercises you can try include running, biking, dancing and swimming. Working out often will also keep your BMI down, a necessary factor in increasing your chances of a healthy childbirth. 

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Alcohol, nicotine and other drugs can negatively impact and disrupt normal ovarian function. According to ReproductiveFacts.org, chemicals including nicotine in cigarette smoke can speed up the loss rate of eggs. When preparing to conceive, you should avoid these toxins to the best of your ability.

Practice Meditation

Preparing to have a child can have a wide variety of effects on your emotions, and can lead to some stress.. This stress can inadvertently cause eggs to not perform at their highest level. Experts recommend reducing that stress by trying relaxing activities such as meditation and yoga. Try participating in Fertility Meditation classes to help develop trust in your body and invite positive energy into your womb. If you are new to meditation, you can also download apps to your phone, like Calm and Headspace, which offer guided meditations for little to no cost.

Visit an Acupuncture 

Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment has several benefits of improving egg quality. Acupuncture releases endorphins, natural pain killer chemicals in the brain. Anxiety is then reduced as the process stimulates the body’s natural feel-good hormones. For pregnancy, the Chinese needle method also increases blood flow to the reproductive organs. With the hormones finally balanced, the body feels more at ease. 

Write In a Journal 

Never underestimate the power of manifestation. Outside of the pregnancy process, writing in a journal is a method for self-reflection and a way to disengage from negative thoughts. This journey of bringing new life into the world is complex yet, beautiful. Putting the process into words can assist the experience and allow you to release any doubts, expectations and opinions. Make sure they remain positive though, any form of adversity can potentially slow down the growth. 

Take Recommended Supplements

Chromosomal egg damage can sometimes call for some assistance beyond reducing stress and practicing a healthier lifestyle. Fortunately, one way to improve the quality of eggs is by trying fertility supplements– ask your doctor to help find the best ones for you. Experts recommend Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Vitamin D and Melatonin. Antioxidants like this can improve egg maturation, assist thyroid function and increase ovarian response.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for our bodies. Having a lack of it can negatively affect fertility and hormone production. The average person should aim for at least seven hours of sleep, while those using IVF should aim for eight. Break habits that are detrimental to your sleep cycle by modifying your schedule and daily pattern. 

Try a Fertility Massage

One way of opening a women’s ovulation window is by trying a massage aimed at improving fertility. Similar to a regular massage, a fertility massage is a technique that uses the deep tissue method on the abdomen. Rubbing this spot increases circulation and relieves stress. The process also strengthens mind and body connection, needed to maintain body alleviation. Women can also practice self-massage for fertility on the adductor and groin area.

Seek a Fertility Therapist

The childbirth process is a very emotional journey and it can be difficult going through it by yourself. Speaking freely to another person will help comfort you during this time. There are even infertility counselors whose main purpose is to support individuals, Surrogates or Intended Parents who face challenges around fertility.

While these are just some tips we recommend to improve your egg quality, there are many more out there. Be cognizant of what works for you and your body, and speak with your doctor to ensure you are not putting your health at risk. As always, the team at Simple Surrogacy is here to offer further guidance or put you in touch with other experts to help you through this process.