When it comes to couples trying to have a baby, there are three basic categories. For some, conceiving is a simple and sure process. Then there’s the group whose only hope for an offspring is technology. The third group is perfectly healthy and has efficient reproductive systems but lack awareness. Here are some facts all couples should know.
For women:
1) Menstrual cycle- It’s important to understand this cycle to be more effective at conceiving. If your cycle normally takes 28 days, you should ovulate on the 14th day of that cycle (unless your cycles are irregular). Divide the number of days taken for the cycle by 2, so that you can estimate your most fertile phase. It’s best to have a ‘fertile window’- as in 4 days before and after your projected date of ovulation. That gives you more opportunities.
2) Have sex as frequently as you can, especially in the mornings. This not only improves your chances at conceiving, your body will become more responsive to your partner and prepare itself for fertilization. Don’t give up if it’s not working. Keep trying.
3) Don’t use artificial lubricants or sprays during copulation. It can cause a pH imbalance in your vagina, lead to infections or make the environment hostile to sperms.
4) Have a preconception check-up as soon as possible. It’s vital to check your blood pressure and blood sugar level. You’ll also need to be vaccinated against small pox and rubella, two diseases that can harm your fetus, through you. Even if you have been vaccinated for these two earlier in life, get antibody prevalence tests done, so that protection is assured.
5) Take plenty of vitamins, folic acid in particular. Lack of folic acid creates spina bifida in newborns- a complication which affects the development of the nervous system. Take at least 0.4 mg of folic acid each day, a couple of months before trying to conceive.
6) Avoid caffeine! It’s thought to reduce blood flow to the fetus. Experts also warn that caffeine can affect fertility.
7) Smoking and alcohol should be limited, if not avoided altogether. Together they can dramatically reduce fertility.
7) Stop taking prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. If you must take any tablets, ask your doctor whether it’s safe for pregnancy. The usual rule is that all drugs be stopped when you are pregnant.
8) Keep a menstrual diary or calendar, recording anything you think may be important or even a tell-tale sign. This can later help your doctor to pinpoint any shortcoming.
For men:
1) Nutrition is not only important to the ladies; their partners also have to take note. Vitamin C and zinc enhance fertility in men.
2) The men must be encouraged to wear boxer shorts. Tight underwear can generate heat and in turn, affect sperm production. For the same reason, men should avoid placing laptops on their laps.
3) A sperm report is recommended, before you try to conceive. Such reports will give information on the sperm count and motility, two factors which can tip the scale in favor of fertilization. |
