Are you wondering how to get pregnant as quickly as possible? Almost every woman already knows some “tricks of the trade”. These include knowing when they 
are most fertile and timing intercourse accordingly, exercising regularly, and living a healthy life.
But if you want to conceive, there are other steps you can take than just using an ovulation calendar and tests! Eating right is important of course – but have you thought about bringing specific fertility boosting foods into your diet? Here are some great foods everyone who wants to become a parent should think about eating.
Folate
Folic acid is top of the list of prenatal and preconception supplements recommended to women. This B vitamin promotes fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and has been proven to play a role in preventing birth defects such as spina bifida. Folate is the naturally occurring version of folic acid. You can find it in asparagus, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and lentils; amongst others.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E boosts fertility for both men and women. Taking between 500 and 1500 IU daily in the months before conception (that means you should start before you try to get pregnant!) has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects in couples who already had children with these problems. Where do you find vitamin E? Wheat germ oil is a great source. Sun flower seeds, almonds, dried basil and oregano, and dried apricots are some others you could try.
Calcium and magnesium
Both calcium and magnesium are important minerals that not only swing the odds of conceiving in your favor, but also promote a healthy pregnancy and help the body sustain your growing fetus. Calcium can be found in alfafa, red clover, parsley and water cress (these also contain magnesium!). Dairy also increases your calcium intake. Magnesium can additionally be found in nuts and soy products, as well as many fruits. Avocados, apricots, and bananas are all examples. Peas and beans are another worthwhile addition to a magnesium-rich diet.
Herbs
Herbs play a particular role as fertility promoters. Herbal sources of vitamins and minerals are not typically those that naturally occur in someone’s diet, so knowing which herbs are helpful for men and women who are trying to conceive is really helpful. The foods we mentioned above might already be part of your normal eating habits; these herbs are more difficult to seek out. Yet, they can prove to be an enormous help. What are these herbs?
Nettle leaves
Nettle leaves are my favorite fertility promoters. You can incorporate them into your diet (think pancakes with nettle leaves baked in and cheese on top, for instance), or use them as a tea or an infusion. Drinking nettle-leaf tea for a few months preconception, every day, boosts your vitamin and mineral levels, aids your kidneys, and tones the uterus. They contain vitamins A, C, D and K and also calcium, potassium, and iron. What’s not to like? Those are all very important, and particularly during pregnancy! Nettle leaves also help prevent pregnancy signs and symptoms like varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.
Red raspberry leaves
If you have been reading about herbal pregnancy supplements, you must have heard about the famous red raspberry leaf tea, more commonly called simply RRL tea in natural pregnancy circles. This is another herb that has lots of goodness: lots of vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium and iron. This herb can work towards preventing anemia, can fight morning sickness and helps your milk supply when you are breastfeeding. And of course, it is also known as a fertility booster!
Olivia is a vegetarian mom of two, who has been seeking out food sources of vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy since she contemplated how to get pregnant with her first. She writes about fertility, pregnancy and babies at Trying To Conceive. A recent addition to the site is a free ovulation calendar.