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An Expert Shares Tips For Pre-Conception And A Healthy Pregnancy
Deciding to start a family is a huge decision. For many couples, the path to conception is exhilarating, but it is also uncertain. Dr Kaberi Banerjee, MD, Advance Fertility and Gynaecology Centre, says, “Once you decide to start a family, you might believe that all you need to do to get pregnant is have a lot of sex and hope for the best. Yes, having intercourse is an important aspect of conception, but it is not the only factor. Infertility is when a couple cannot conceive (get pregnant) despite having regular unprotected intercourse for six to 12 months depending on their age.”
Infertility issues aren’t uncommon; approximately one out of seven couples might have problems in conceiving. Over 84 per cent of couples conceive normally within a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Dr Banerjee offers some tips that will prove to be helpful for couples trying to conceive.
It Is A Numbers Game
When it comes to conceiving a child, understanding ovulation is crucial to achieving success. A woman ovulates 14 days after the first day of her menstruation, and sex during ovulation has the best chance of resulting in a pregnancy.
Get Pre-Conception Counselling
Make an appointment with your OB-GYN around 60 to 90 days before you’re ready to begin trying. Infertility is a problem for almost 14 per cent of couples. While the majority of people will have no trouble getting pregnant, some will have minor difficulties, and some will have significant difficulties. Conditions like anaemia, thyroid dysfuntion, thalassemia, antibodies to rubella should all be picked up and corrected wherever necessary.
Learn Your Family History
Find out how easy it was for your female relatives to get pregnant and whether there is a history of inherited medical issues in the family. Whether or not you or your spouse have a family history of Down Syndrome, you should get genetic counselling before trying to conceive; it’s far more preferable to find out if you and your partner are also carriers of issues like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, etc before you conceive.
Maintain A Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet that consists of fibre, folate, vitamins, minerals, enough proteins, and antioxidants nourishes your reproductive health.
Quit Smoking
As per the British Medical Association, women who smoke have a 40 per cent lower chance of becoming pregnant. Smoking reduces a man’s sperm count and can impair sperm quality, which leads to infertility.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol has been shown to impair reproductive chances, so cut back or, better yet, quit totally if you’re trying to conceive.
Limit Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can limit the blood flow to the uterus, so it’s best to avoid it while you’re trying to get pregnant and while you’re pregnant.
Exercise And Maintain Your Weight
Exercise improves your general fitness and can help you become more fertile and manage pregnancy’s various symptoms. Daily, get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, which doesn’t have to be very strenuous.
Reduce Stress
Anxiety and stress can harm your reproductive health and lead to infertility. So, learn to manage stress and engage in activities that benefit your mental health.
Have Patience
Sometimes, conception takes time, between three months to a year. So, couples need to be patient, especially the younger ones.
Do Not Delay In Getting Help
Some couples need active help from doctors early, especially those diagnosed with polycystic ovaries, fibroids, endometriosis, and abnormal sperm parameters, being some factors.
Dr Banerjee adds that while these suggestions can help boost chances of getting pregnant while ensuring a healthy pregnancy, they are not simply for women to follow; both partners play equally important roles in conception.