For a healthy life
It is advisable that before trying to conceive couples introduce some changes into their lifestyle, which on the one hand increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy and on the other helps to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Here are some tips that can help improve the health of both prospective parents and children that come your way:
- Monitor your weight: Either obesity or malnutrition may affect the production of oocytes in women, lowering the chances of pregnancy and increasing the risk of certain complications during pregnancy;
- Food Supplements: It is advisable that all women who are planning pregnancy take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid, in order to decrease the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Couples who have had a previous pregnancy with any of these defects should consult the doctor before trying a new pregnancy;
- Quit Smoking: There are proven associations between smoking and the incidence of infertility and early menopause in women, and sperm problems in men. Women who smoke reduce their chances of becoming pregnant by about 40 %. Smoking is also associated with the birth of premature babies and / or low birth weight;
- Maintain an active lifestyle: regular physical exercise helps relieve stress by stimulating the "hormones of happiness" (endorphins) and also contributes to the control of body weight. At least between thirty minutes to an hour of moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, running or dancing will certainly help;
- Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages: in women, exaggerated alcohol intake may increase the risk of miscarriage. In men, it can affect sperm quality;
- Avoid drug use: all drugs can impair fertility. There are also medicines that should not be taken during pregnancy or when trying to become pregnant. In these cases, we recommend that you discuss with your doctor the possibility of opting for an alternative medication. We need to know every single medication you’re in before starting your fertility treatment;
- Learn how to deal with stress: While there is still a controversial association between stress and the onset of infertility, there is at least one certainty: couples who are being subjected to tests and treatments for infertility will experience stress. It is therefore important to find ways to relax, such as playing sports, massage, yoga, or other physical activities.
