Pre pregnancy preparation
Trying to get pregnant but don’t know from Point A to B how to get there? This may just be the thing you need. When you’re most fertile, what you should eat, when to go for check-ups and what you should be avoiding…. TheAsianparent.com answers your questions.
When am I most fertile?
In terms of fertility, women are at their best between 20-24. However, the trend of having children at a later age is out there in today’s world. Since the mid 1970s there has been a four-fold increase in the percent of first births to women 30 years and older. Therefore, it’s important to know that by the age of 35, fertility is already spiralling downwards. Of course you can try for a kid at that age but complications may arise such as, miscarriages and diabetes in the mother and Down syndrome and autism in the child.
Besides using a calendar to chart your fertile period, be sure to check out your cervical mucus. The cervix produces mucus that protects the body from sperm, bacteria and other organisms. Several days each month, the stability of the mucus changes to allow sperm to enter the fallopian tubes. You can determine your fertile period by observing these changes. Do your checks before you shower, bathe, or swim as these activities can all affect the quantity and quality of your cervical mucus.
Is there a link between fertility and a nutritional diet?
Definitely.
Have a diet that balances out the calories, carbohydrates, protein and fibres. Eat wholemeal carbs instead of whit carbs such as rice, bread and pasta because they have 15 different nutrients removed. A daily portion of omega-3 fats is also recommended and avoid excess saturated fat. Water is the most important fertility food to consume. Your baby is your seed. Therefore, water is important to help your baby to grow. It also helps maintain a normal pregnancy
.
Bulk up on folic acid as it is crucial in the formation of blood cells and in the development of the baby’s nervous system. Part of vitamin B, folic acid can be found leafy vegetables, liver and certain cereals. And we’re not just talking about women here, men too should have folic acid in their daily diet.
If you love tea and your husband loves colas, then there is a problem. The caffeine in these has been shown to reduce fertility in men by 50% which makes it twice as long to fall pregnant. This can't easily be tested in women but we could assume similar issues. However, green tea has been given the nod for boosting fertility. Stay clear of diets! Starvation diets, purging, bingeing, and yo-yo dieting affect ovulation and consequently your fertility.
What kind of a check-up should I go for?
Choose a gynaecologist and visit him/ her to discuss about your conception chances, any medical problems that you may have or had that may affect your conception or pregnancy and if your family history of any genetic problems. It is best to do this with your husband. Here’s a tip: Try to book the last appointment of the day for your preconception check-up. That's when your doctor is most likely to be able to take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns without feeling rushed to go on to the next patient.
If you are having pain on one side around your tummy area, or feel bloated and fatigue is eating into your lifestyle, have a pelvic ultrasound scan that will check for ovarian cysts and fibroids (both which are benign) in the womb. Ovarian cysts can be treated by hormonal tablets and at times surgery is not needed. Fibroids usually require surgery.
What should I avoid
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and harmful substances. Wait a minute! Haven’t teachers been advising this from young? Anyway, now you actually have a reason to stay away from these. Miscarriages, underdevelopment in the baby’s growth (in the womb), placenta bleeding are just some of the situations that can occur from smoking and the rest.
While you are avoiding these with the husband, there is something else he needs to be aware of and try to stay clear of - heat. Heat is bad news. Chefs have lower sperm counts than average, because they're exposed to the intense heat from the ovens. This also means men shouldn't wear tight pants and trousers, which can cause the sperm to overheat.