Spring and Summer Reset: 4 Tips For How To Get Pregnant

Chris D. Meletis, N.D.

The change of seasons between spring and summer is a natural transition for all couples to follow the trends of nature. We think of spring and summer as times of renewal and times to enhance fertility. As we leave winter behind us, we can imagine ourselves as a bear awakening from hibernation. Just as the avid gardener prepares the soil in spring with nutrients and clears the area for fledging seedlings, this is the perfect time of year for couples to prepare their bodies for optimal “receptive” fertility.

Although we associate spring with fertility, research has shown that sperm are healthier and have better motility in the winter and early spring.¹ That means that since sperm might not be at their most effective in the summer, it’s especially important to enhance fertility in any way you can.

Consequently, here are some tips for how to get pregnant in the spring and summer.

Purify The Body to Enhance Fertility

Indoor living during the autumn and winter can expose us to higher indoor air pollution and toxins. Chemicals in air, water, food, and personal care products have all been linked to decreasing sperm count, inability to ovulate, and impaired implantation.²

Thus, working on cleansing your body is a strong consideration. Make sure that you’re having one to three bowel movements per day to allow hormones and toxins to leave your body rather than reabsorbing harmful agents. Many antioxidants can also support fertility detox.

Relax The Mind

Psychological stress is thought to affect fertility. Research suggests that interventions that reduce stress in women trying to conceive led to significant increases in pregnancy rates.³ Fertility issues themselves are also very stressful, leading to a vicious circle of stress, which in turn can impact a couple’s ability to get pregnant.

Spring and summer is the perfect time of year to participate in an activity that many people find peaceful: connecting with nature. This is an ideal way to become more grounded in what is otherwise a chaotic life. The Japanese refer to time spent outdoors in nature as “forest bathing.” This also allows you to get more fresh air and spend less time in an indoor polluted environment.

Choose Foods to Enhance Fertility

Diet is extremely important before and during pregnancy. Research suggests higher intakes of fruit, avoiding fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages, and a diet lower in glycemic load, can help couples conceive faster.⁴ Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key component of a Mediterranean diet,  which has been shown to improve ovulatory health.⁴

At this time of year, it’s much easier to obtain locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods contain antioxidants that are known to be natural fertility boosters. Be sure to choose organic produce, to avoid many toxins that interfere with sperm health and the ability to get pregnant.

Get Active

Another way to enhance fertility in the spring and summer is to exercise, ideally outside. Sedentary behavior and not getting enough exercise are risk factors for fertility issues in both men and women.⁵ Exercise also increases circulation and balances hormones and helps the GI tract stay regular so that you’re eliminating toxins. Weight loss is another benefit of exercise, since obesity can reduce fertility.⁶

Exercising outdoors can replenish your vitamin D levels, since our bodies make this critical vitamin during exposure to the sun. Healthy vitamin D levels are necessary for both female and male fertility.⁶

Enhancing Fertility In The Spring And Summer

Take advantage of this relaxed time of year to enhance fertility and fulfill your dream of conceiving a child. Summer vacations are a good time to spend extra time with your partner trying to conceive and even participating in fertility-boosting activities together such as exercise or cooking a meal rich in vegetables and fruit. By next spring you might even have given birth to a new baby.

About Dr. Meletis

Dr. Meletis is an internationally recognized naturopathic physician, an accomplished author, and respected educator in the field of natural medicine. Dr. Meletis was honored as a ‘Naturopathic Physician of the Year’ by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians for his commitment to education and helping those in need. His mission is simply, “changing the world’s health, one person at a time”.

He has authored 14 books on subjects ranging from natural medicine interactions to fertility enhancement and has published over 80 articles in publications such as Natural Health and Natural Pharmacy. Dr. Meletis has served as the Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) for seven years and later as the school’s Senior Science Officer. He sits on several medical advisory boards and has worked with Oregon Health and Science University on a grant from the National Institute of Health to further educate MD graduates on natural medicine.

References:

1. Levitas E, Lunenfeld E, Weisz N, Friger M, Har-Vardi I. Seasonal variations of human sperm cells among 6455 semen samples: a plausible explanation of a seasonal birth pattern. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;208(5):406.e401-406.
2. Pizzorno J. Environmental Toxins and Infertility. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018;17(2):8-11.
3. Rooney KL, Domar AD. The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018;20(1):41-47.
4. Grieger JA. Preconception diet, fertility, and later health in pregnancy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2020;32(3):227-232.
5. Foucaut AM, Faure C, Julia C, Czernichow S, Levy R, Dupont C. Sedentary behavior, physical inactivity and body composition in relation to idiopathic infertility among men and women. PLoS One. 2019;14(4):e0210770.
6. Bosdou JK, Konstantinidou E, Anagnostis P, Kolibianakis EM, Goulis DG. Vitamin D and Obesity: Two Interacting Players in the Field of Infertility. Nutrients. 2019;11(7).