If you’re anything like me, the term “advanced maternal age” starting at age 35 felt a bit premature and always bothered me. I didn’t feel “advanced” or like my health had suddenly tanked. I felt normal and dare I say, maybe even finally mature enough to want to have children. But nonetheless, I was past 35 and considered medically “old” for childbearing. This blanket statement and explanation that my entire future family’s destiny was now in the hands of mathematical luck wasn’t good enough. There had to be something I could do to put the odds more in my favor. I started digging. Turns out, there are plenty of things you can do to positively influence your biological age, egg quality and probability of pregnancy.

The biggest and most influential are smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking excessive caffeine, eating processed foods, and sleep. Quitting smoking and alcohol will make the most significant difference in improving your health and chances of a positive pregnancy. Keeping caffeine in moderation (less than 100 mg of caffeine per day) and then ideally, cutting all caffeine improves blood circulation and absorption of nutrients. Limit processed foods as much as possible. Try focusing on whole foods and shopping only the perimeter of the grocery store. Finally, aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

There are things within your control that you can do to improve your odds. Take ownership of your body. Nurture it, love it and protect it like you’re already pregnant.