Pre-conception Advice: How to Improve Your Chances of Conception

To maximise the chances of conception and eventually, the delivery of a healthy baby, there are a number of factors that need to be considered by both the man and woman in a couple. Some of these pointers are simple and obvious while others are more complex. But all are important for improving your chances of a successful pregnancy. They mostly relate to your own personal health and lifestyle. The healthier you are, the better your odds.

Here is our list of factors to consider:

1. Your Own Medical History

It is vital to recognise your own medical problems should you have any. These need to be controlled and regulated as thoroughly as possible. Your doctor will be able to help in this regard. It is therefore vital to seek some pre-pregnancy advice should you have any ongoing medical conditions. Examples include; diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, psychiatric or psychological disorders, spina bifida, thalassaemia and many more.

2. Obstetric History

It is important to recognise whether or not you are at higher risk than normal of having problems with conception, miscarriages or other complications during pregnancy. If you feel that you are at higher risk, you should approach your doctor or obstetrician for advice before trying to conceive as this may greatly reduce problems later. Factors which may be taken into account include;

• Maternal age: after 35 years of age, the older a woman is, the lower the chances of conception and the higher the rate of complications,
• Previous miscarriages, complications of pregnancy and assistance in conception,
• A history of multiple births, e.g. twins or triplets etc.

3. Weight Issues

Problems in conceiving can arise if you are either underweight or overweight. Both may cause problems with ovulation. Being overweight may also lead to further complications during pregnancy. Therefore, ensure that you are as close to your ideal weight as possible. However, extreme dieting may be just as dangerous, especially if you are already pregnant.

4. Diet

It is important to eat a healthy, well balanced and nutritious diet. The types of food encouraged include fresh fruit and vegetables, wholemeal breads, pastas and cereals, lean meats, fish and pulses. These foods contain a balance of vital dietary elements such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals including calcium, folate and iron. Try to limit salty, sugary and fatty foods as much as possible. There are also some foods which deserve a special caution. These are foods which may contain listeria e.g. undercooked meats and eggs, soft cheeses, pates, shellfish, raw fish and unpasteurised milk. Also reduce or stop caffeine and consider stopping peanuts.

5. Alcohol

It is always a good idea to limit your alcohol intake, whether trying to conceive or not. For further details, please refer to our alcohol worksheet. This advice is even more important when trying to fall pregnant. Your maximum alcohol intake should be no more then 1-2 units, once or twice a week. Drinking heavily can increase the risks of miscarriage, damage fetal growth and damage brain development in pregnancy. Alcohol can also directly affect fertility and specifically, can lower sperm counts in men.

6. Medication

It is vital to be clear which medicines you should take and which to avoid, especially if you have an on-going medical problem. You should consult your doctor about your intention to conceive. You should also seek the assistance of your doctor or pharmacist regarding the use of over-the-counter drugs and herbal/natural remedies as even these can be harmful.

7. Folic Acid Supplements

In most countries, prospective mothers are encouraged to take folic acid supplementation from pre-conception to 12 weeks gestation at a dose of 400mcg (0.4milligrams) to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (defects of the baby's spinal cord causing disabilities such as spina bifida). If there is a high risk factor, then the dose should be increased to 5mg. These instances include;

• a previously affected pregnancy,
• a partner or 1st degree relative with neural tube defect,
• a woman with coeliac disease (reduced absorption),
• a woman taking anti-epileptic medication,
• women with sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia.

8. Smoking

Smoking can decrease the chances of ovulation, result in abnormal sperm production and increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labour and stillborn deliveries. It is vital that you take active steps to reduce and preferably stop smoking completely. For further details, please refer to the smoking worksheet.

9. Know Your Rubella Status

Rubella, sometimes called German Measles is an infection that can cause serious fetal damage if contracted by the mother during conception or pregnancy. Therefore, before the first pregnancy, prospective mothers should have their rubella status checked and immunisation given if found to be non-immune. Ideally, couples should wait at least 1 month before trying to conceive if a rubella jab is given. These days, rubella injections are given together with measles and mumps in a single shot known as MMR.

10. Toxoplasmosis Avoidance

This is another potentially serious infection commonly found in raw meat, sheep, lambs and cat faeces. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on personal hygiene such as washing foods generally and washing hands specifically after handling such foods or animals.

11. Hepatitis B

This viral infection is common in some parts of the world. There may be occupational risks. Hepatitis B status should be checked if you feel that you are at risk and immunisation arranged accordingly.

12. Employment

Some types of jobs will increase your chances of exposure to many toxic chemicals and other dangers. Check to see whether there are extra risks such as exposure to chemicals, radiation, animals, bloods products, infections or trauma or other problems and seek advice on how to minimise these risks accordingly.

13. Street Drugs and Other Elicit Substances

It is vital that you avoid all illegal drugs and elicit substances such as marijuana, cannabis, cocaine, crack etc. The use of these drugs can have serious consequences for your chances of conception and pregnancy.

14. Exercise

Taking regular exercise is important to stay in shape and as fit as possible. This is especially important if you are overweight. Exercise may also help in controlling symptoms of stress.

15. Avoid Overheating

This advice applies specifically to men. Sperm are sensitive to over heating and are best being approximately 1 degree Celsius lower than the rest of the body. This is one reason why the testes in men are found outside the main body cavity. Having hot baths, saunas and the wearing of tight fitting clothes such as underwear and trousers should be avoided.

16. Consider Going to the Dentist

It is increasing thought that some types of gum disease (periodontal gum disease - gum infection caused by plaque), can lead to premature labour and low birth weight. It is therefore important to have an oral health check before trying to conceive if possible and to see a dentist quickly during pregnancy should any symptoms arise.

17. Cervical (Pap) Smears

It is important to be up-to-date with your cervical smears. You should have one every 3-5 years depending on your age or sooner if you already have a history of cervical cell change.

18. Sexual Health Screen

If you have symptoms of a possible sexually transmitted infection or you feel that you are at risk, you must be screened and treated before you start to conceive. Infections such as chlamydia can have a detrimental effect on your chances of conception.

19. Genetic Counselling

If there is a history of genetic disease in your or your partners family, then genetic counselling may be required to calculate the risk of your baby having the condition. Common genetic diseases include Cystic Fibrosis and Down's Syndrome. Your doctor should be able to arrange this if it is deemed necessary. Genetic counselling may be of particular value for consanguineous couples.

20. Sexual Intercourse

The more regularly you have sex with your partner, the greater your chances of conception. Although this is mostly true for sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation, there is also some evidence to suggest that having more frequent sex at other times of the menstrual cycle can also increase your chances of conception.

From Surgery abroad with Globe Health Tours.