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Fertility Top Tips! Female Lifestyle | Conception | London

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Fit for Pregnancy Fit for Pregnancy - Checklist Supplements All women trying for a baby should take 400 mcg of folic acid a day to help prevent neurological problems in the baby. 20% of women in the UK in the reproductive age group are deficient in Vitamin D. A low Vitamin D level is linked to infertility. Hence, you should also take 10 mcg of Vitamin D daily. Men too should have supplements containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium to improve sperm quality. Vaccination Rubella infection in pregnancy can have serious consequences Eat healthy A balanced diet will help ensure your body is healthy enough to become pregnant and nourish a developing baby. A healthy diet can also help to keep sperm production at optimum levels. Optimise your weight Being under (BMI less than 19) or overweight (BMI over 30) can make you less likely to become pregnant, so making changes to your diet and exercising regularly can to improve your chances. Caffeine Several studies have shown that caffeine increases the length of time it takes to conceive. While the exact mechanism by which caffeine affects fertility is unknown, the answer may be related to the ability of caffeine to influence the quality of the developing oocyte (egg). Multiple studies have suggested that caffeine consumption increases the risk of miscarriage. An additional concern in pregnancy is the ability of caffeine to cross the placenta and directly affect the developing baby. With most studies indicating that the effects of caffeine are related to amount of caffeine consumed, it would seem prudent for women contemplating pregnancy to limit caffeine consumption. The suggested threshold is less than 100mg per day of caffeine. For eg Latte or Cappuccino (16oz) ~ 150mg caffeine. Espresso (1oz) ~ 75mg caffeine Tea (8oz) ~ 50mg caffeine Cola (12oz) ~ 30mg caffeine Energy Drink (8oz) ~ 75mg caffeine Decaf Coffee (8oz) ~ 2mg caffeine Exercise regularly Regular, moderate exercise of around 30 minutes a day helps to maximise your fitness and keep your weight in check. It also boosts levels of endorphins, the body’s own ‘happy hormones’, which may help to reduce stress. Some people find relaxation techniques or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, also helps them relax. Reduce alcohol intake Women who are trying to become pregnant should drink no more than two or three units of alcohol per week. Men should have no more than four to five units of alcohol per week. Drinking too much can have a negative impact on semen quality and can harm a developing foetus. Stop smoking Smoking has been linked to infertility and early menopause in women, and to sperm problems in men. It is also a factor in premature or low birth-weight babies. Keep cool The testes should be a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of your body for maximum sperm production. Wearing loose-fitting underwear and trousers, and avoiding activities such as saunas and hot showers may help. Medications Some prescription drugs can reduce your chances of conceiving, so if you are taking regular medication, ask your doctor about suitable alternatives. Drugs All recreational drugs should be completely avoided. To learn more visit ivfmatters.co.uk