LMIYY pre pregnancy guide

Let's Make It Your Year - Week 2

Did you know?

Your health and lifestyle are really important factors to consider when you are trying to fall pregnant or are undergoing fertility treatments. 

Let's focus on pre-pregnancy health & lifestyle.

There are many lifestyle factors that can help improve male and female fertility. However, it is important to note that being fit and healthy does not necessarily guarantee your fertility. 

Do not smoke:

  • For women, smoking can affect the quality of your eggs, and increase the chance of pregnancy loss and birth defects.
  • For men, cigarette smoking can increase sperm DNA fragmentation.

Do not use recreational drugs:

  • For men and women, studies have shown that recreational drugs can affect fertility, and long-term use of these drugs can lead to permanent reproductive problems.
  • For men, some drugs, including body-building steroids, can decrease sperm density and motility , and increase the number of abnormal sperm.

Optimise your weight for a healthy BMI:

  • It can be more difficult to conceive if you have an unhealthy BMI.
  • For women, it can also increase the risk of ‘problems’ during pregnancy, and may lead to miscarriage.
  • Overweight men may have higher levels of DNA damage and poorer IVF outcomes.

Limit alcohol and caffeine intake:

  • For women, avoid binging and limit yourself to 1 or 2 cups of coffee a day and  2 or 3 glasses of wine a week.
  • For men, there is no evidence that safe alcohol intake will have any effect on sperm quality but just as an alcohol intake above a safe limit can affect a man’s general health, it will also affect his fertility.

Taking folic acid:

  • For women, taking folic acid for at least 3 months prior to conception, and continuing it for the first trimester, is important.
  • Studies show that folic acid reduces the risk of neural birth defects.

Explore complementary therapies:

  • Although there is limited scientific evidence for conception, complementary and alternative therapies are used to improve physical and emotional health, so it will have positive impacts on a woman’s body.
  • Common alternative therapies include acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
  • If you would like to try these therapies remember they don't have to happen in isolation, a lot of specialists are open to collaborating with other health providers and can work together to help you fall pregnant sooner.

Avoid stress:

  • There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that emotional stress causes infertility.
  • Stress could potentially delay conception if it changes your behaviour or affects your relationship and stops you having regular sex.
LMIYY Folate

Folate is key in the development and protection of genetic material. The Dietologists's folate-packed falafel nourish bowl is simple to make and deliciously scrumptious!

Workout pt 2

Get fit and healthy with Warrior Princess' full body Strength Workout!

During this programme you can head to our private Facebook group and chat with others who are trying to conceive. Hearing the experiences of other people on a similar fertility journey can be an invaluable source of support and encouragement.

Hear from our fertility specialists on what factors affect your fertility and what you can do to maximise you chances of conceiving.

In case you missed it last week: Week 1 of Let's Make it Your Year >>>>