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How can Lifestyle affect fertility |
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Eating a healthy, nutritious and varied diet will help ensure that a
woman’s body is healthy and able to conceive and nourish a developing
baby. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially green
vegetables rich in folic acid, is recommended. Folic acid supplements
(at least 400 mcg), started 3 months before, and continued for up to 12
weeks during pregnancy, are very important as they reduce the incidence
of neural tubal diseases in newborns.
Being overweight
or underweight can disrupt the menstrual cycle. In the case of
overweight women, losing 10% of body weight may affect spontaneous
ovulation or the response to hormonal medications used to induce
ovulation. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage both sperm and
eggs. Women are advised to limit their intake to the recommended 14
units (approximately 1 ½ glasses of wine) a week, and men to 21 units
(approximately 2 glasses of wine) per week. Smoking cigarettes or
marijuana can interfere with ovulation and reduce sperm count,
decreasing the chances of pregnancy by 40%; therefore, it is advisable
to stop this habit as soon as possible.
Environmental toxins such us
lead, pesticides, paint solvents, etc., have also been found to have
negative effects on fertility. Avoid exposure whenever possible.
Advise
your doctor of all medications you are taking, as some prescription
drugs are not safe in pregnancy. Men should avoid excessive exposure to
heat such as saunas, hot baths, and tight fitting underclothes.
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