We worry about our heart, bone and skin health but do we worry enough about our fertility health?
For those who are lucky enough, having a baby is one of the most significant things that can happen in our lives, but most take it for granted that it will happen easily, when they are ready.
The fact is that one in six couples have trouble falling pregnant.
Fertility issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including increasing maternal age, lifestyle, environmental situations and medical conditions.
Tips to Boost your Fertility
1. Maintain a healthy weight: Follow a healthy, balanced diet that provides adequate protein, carbohydrate and fibre. Aim to undertake at least half an hour of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days.
2. Limit caffeine intake: We recommend no more than 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages a day while you are trying to conceive.
3. Restrict alcohol intake: Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage and affect the quality of sperm.
4. Stop smoking and any drug use: Smoking is one of the biggest lifestyle factors that can negatively affect fertility. It is not advisable to use any form of recreational drug when trying to conceive or after conception.
5. Reduce stress: Get plenty of rest and relaxation and combat stress wherever possible. A degree of stress in your life is inevitable, but how you deal with it is important.
6. Avoid lubricants: Lubricants can affect sperm quality and should be avoided if you are trying to conceive.
7. Take folic acid: For the three months before and for the first three months of pregnancy, take a folic acid supplement (females only).
8. Check your medications/supplements: Review the intake of your medications/supplements with your doctor.
9. Immunisation and general health screening: Before you start trying to conceive, visit your GP for an antenatal screen and immunisation check.
10. Reduce exposure to toxins: We are faced with myriad environmental toxins on a daily basis. If you work with or around toxins, you need to be using face masks and other protective gear.
For more information on preconception tips, visit our Preconception Care page.
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