---
title: "10 things to avoid while trying to get pregnant"
date: 2023-07-14
author: "HSFC Kenya"
featured_image: "https://hsfckenya.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-things-to-avoid-while-trying-to-get-pregnant.png.webp"
categories:
  - name: "Fertility"
    url: "/resource-library/articles/category/fertility.md"
  - name: "Lifestyle"
    url: "/resource-library/articles/category/lifestyle.md"
---

# 10 things to avoid while trying to get pregnant

While everybody is different and focusing on your individual experience is key, there are a few tips that can potentially help you conceive faster and start your baby journey off on a healthier note. In addition to important to-dos like taking your prenatal vitamins and tracking your cycle, it’s important to know what to avoid when trying to get pregnant.

**Lifestyle & Habits to Limit or Avoid**: what should be off your plate while trying to conceive.

1. Heavy drinking, smoking and drug use

Both men and women should abstain from or minimise consumption. Excessive [alcohol](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/male-and-female-infertility/alcohol-and-fertility/) reduces fertility, lowers sperm count, and disrupts hormones. Tobacco, vaping, and marijuana can harm egg and sperm health.

2. Too much caffeine

Up to one cup (~200 mg) per day is generally okay. Higher intake may negatively affect fertility.

3. Poor diet / fatty and highly processed foods

Diets heavy in junk foods can lengthen the time to conception. Eating a nutrient-rich, antioxidant-filled diet supports fertility.

4. Restrictive dieting / extreme calorie limitation

Undereating can impair ovulation. Adequate calories are needed to support reproductive function. Experts recommend eating an average of 2,000 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Excessive exercise or extreme inactivity

Very intense workouts may disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation. Conversely, being sedentary can also reduce fertility and increase pregnancy risks. Moderate regular activity is ideal.

6. High [stress](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/emotional-and-social-support/how-infertility-and-depression-may-influence-each-other/)

This increases cortisol, which can disrupt reproductive hormones and reduce fertility; managing stress through mindfulness and positive activities is key.

7. Lack of sleep

This negatively affects hormone balance and body functions, with research linking sleep disturbances to infertility.

8. Exposure to harmful [chemicals](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/male-and-female-infertility/skin-bleaching-and-infertility/) / endocrine disruptors

Chemicals like BPA, heavy metals, pesticides, and certain workplace toxins can impair fertility, ovarian function, or sperm health.

9. Certain medications and supplements

Ingredients such as retinol, Accutane, GLP-1 agonists, and some skincare products may require review. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing medications when trying to conceive.

10. Use of water-based lubricants (in some cases)

Some lubricants may impair sperm motility. It’s advisable to check compatibility or use fertility-friendly lubricants.

**📋 Summary Table: What to Avoid vs. Why**

 What to Avoid / LimitWhy / Potential Impact on Fertility Heavy alcohol, smoking, drugsReduces egg & sperm quality; hormonal disruption; miscarriage risk High caffeine (>200 mg/day)Possible negative effects on fertility evidence is mixed Unhealthy / processed dietSlower time to conceive; poor nutritional support Calorie restriction / fad dietsInterferes with ovulation and hormone balance Excessive or very intense exerciseMay trigger menstrual disruption and ovulatory issues Sedentary lifestyleIncreases risks and may reduce fertility potential Chronic stress & poor sleepHormonal imbalance, impaired reproductive signalling Chemical & toxin exposureRisks to egg, ovarian, uterine, or sperm health Unsafe medications / supplementsSome may be incompatible with conception Certain lubricants (non–fertility-friendly)May reduce sperm motility and survival**Takeaway**

This article in [the BUMP](https://www.thebump.com/a/what-to-avoid-when-trying-to-conceive) gives further insight into this topic. While many of these recommendations may already seem familiar, their collective impact can be significant when trying to conceive. Moderating or avoiding harmful behaviours, protecting against chemical exposures, and consulting healthcare providers about medications can help create a more fertile environment. Balance rather than perfection is key.