Refer a Friend and Earn Offers! - Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Top 8 Things People Will Do To Get Pregnant in 2024

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024 (early congrats to those of you born under the signs of Gemini, Pisces and Scorpio!). But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Across the board, experts have the same recommendations for couples planning on becoming parents, and they’re both easier and harder than you might think. Astrological signs aside, here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

1. Know That It Takes Two

Simple, but really, this cannot be overstated. A successful conception requires both sperm and egg, and the health of both parents during the preconception window has an enormous effect on what’s to come. A preconception health series published in the Lancet Journals is pretty darn clear, calling it “important not only for pregnancy outcomes but also for the lifelong health of their children and even the next generation” (1). While women generally bear the brunt of the blame when a couple struggles to conceive, let’s be very clear that both parties can be equally culpable. Sperm health in particular is susceptible to external factors, from a crappy diet to too much stress to too little exercise, and by prioritizing overall health in both the man and the woman, a couple can take active steps toward improving their fertility health as well.

2. Start Taking Prenatals

beli-prenatal-vitamins-for-men-and-women

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. The best time to start taking prenatal vitamins is before you’re pregnant, really the minute you decide you want to try, and that applies to both partners. Men and women alike benefit from a daily prenatal vitamin to shore up nutritional gaps and nourish their respective preconception health. For men, that means supporting all parameters of sperm health. For women, it’s all about egg quality and hormonal balance. And, in the event you conceive quickly, it means your teeny tiny baby will be getting key nutrients like choline and folic acid well before you even realize you’re pregnant.

We’ll go ahead and offer a recommendation here. We designed Beli for Men and Beli for Women to fuel fertility health with specialized nutrition. Our women’s formula is one of just a handful of prenatals on the market meeting recommended levels of key nutrients (choline, folate, iodine, magnesium and vitamin D, to be precise) to help promote hormonal balance and healthy egg maturation, among other benefits (2). Bonus: our serving size is a very doable three capsules. Our men’s formula, meanwhile, contains science-backed nutrients to promote healthy sperm production, motility and morphology. It’s also the first men’s prenatal with shilajit, an incredibly powerful Ayurvedic compound that supports male fertility by increasing testosterone and promoting sperm health. Happy side effects also include more endurance, recovery and muscle strength.

3. Embrace That Healthy Lifestyle

Nothing new here. Eating well, getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep are the tried-and-true steps to a healthy body and mind. Of course, knowing it is one thing, but putting it into practice is the tricky part. Still, you may find motivation in the fact that being as healthy as you can means a greater likelihood of a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby. Make it a couple’s thing and cheer one another on!

Be mindful that part of a healthy lifestyle is cutting way back on vices like alcohol, smoking and recreational drug use. Moderating your alcohol consumption is really important when you’re trying to conceive, smoking is a complete no-no, and recreational drug use (yes, even CBD) falls into the “more research needed” category (3), which means it’s something to avoid during this life stage. 

4. Address Stress

Stress is ubiquitous in this day and age, but it really kills your chances of becoming pregnant. Researchers are still puzzling out exactly whether it’s the stress itself that affects fertility, or the unhealthy behaviors we end up exhibiting in an effort to cope with that stress. While they continue to pinpoint exactly what’s going on, one thing remains true: managing stress is important for your physical, mental and emotional health, which means it’s also beneficial for your fertility health. Find what works for you, whether it’s a few yoga classes every week, mindfulness techniques before bed, therapy, exercise, whatever. Every little bit counts!

5. Talk to the Doctor Sooner Rather Than Later

You’re probably familiar with the standard rule: If you’re under age 35 and generally healthy, you should give yourself around a year to conceive before you start quizzing the doctor.  If you’re over 35 and generally healthy, the timeline narrows to six months. But there is tremendous value in talking to your doctor once you’ve made the decision to pursue pregnancy. This is a chance to be very upfront about your health history, any medical conditions that might affect your chances of successfully conceiving, current medications, and what can be done to really set a solid foundation for your preconception health.

6. Consider At-Home Fertility Testing

At-home fertility testing isn’t mandatory, by any stretch, but it might be an informational baseline for men in particular. Sperm health can vary pretty significantly over the course of just a few weeks, and an at-home sperm test could be a simple way to see whether your lifestyle changes are bringing about any positive change in sperm count and motility. Of course, these tests are limited, and you won’t get the detailed analysis you can expect from a fertility specialist. Still, if you’re the kind of person who appreciates data, consider it a useful first step when you and your partner are starting the journey to parenthood.

7. Become Really Familiar With That Cycle

Timing is everything when you’re trying to conceive, and a women’s peak fertility window is about six days long. That’s when she has the very best chance of conceiving, so experts recommend having sex either daily or every other day during this timeframe. Most women ovulate (release a mature egg for potential fertilization) about 14 days before their periods begin, a number that’s surprisingly consistent no matter how long their menstrual cycles last. For a ballpark estimate of ovulation, get up close and personal with your cycle. That’s the best way of timing sex to your fertile window.

8. Be Mindful of Environmental Toxins

The idea that environmental toxins are wreaking havoc on our reproductive systems really took hold in 2023, with various websites and magazines and publishing platforms sounding the alarm. That’s a good thing, because what goes into your body matters, and that includes the stuff you don’t realize is sneaking in. Carly Hartwig, a holistic reproductive health advocate and fertility awareness educator, wrote an informative guest post for us with actionable tips for cleaning up your lifestyle, from personal care to household products, to minimize your exposure to environmental toxins, so that’s a great place to start!

The Bottom Line

Making a plan for becoming pregnant is a great way to get all your ducks in a row. Since external factors, like nutrition, lifestyle, stress management and environmental toxins, can all influence your fertility health, giving yourself three to six months for meaningful change is a great place to start. Forget the stars—committing to healthy living, one day at a time, to nourish your preconception health is the best way to welcome a pregnancy in 2024.

Article Resources

  1. Preconception Health. The Lancet. (2018). https://www.thelancet.com/series/preconception-health
  2. Bell, C et al. (2016). Prenatal Vitamins Deficient in Recommended Choline Intake for Pregnant Women. https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-2-048.pdf
  3. Pregnant? Don’t Smoke! (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/features/pregnantdontsmoke.html

Additional Resources

Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More
×

Change Shipping Country

Cancel