Preconception Care (Nutrition)

Read our Preconception Care advice
to benefit your health now and improve
your chances of getting pregnant

INTRODUCTION

If you and your partner are both in good health, there’s more likelihood of you getting pregnant. By making a few positive changes to your lifestyle, not only will you both benefit in feeling better but you can also substantially improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Fertility Supplements

Every woman trying for a baby should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day to help prevent neurological problems for their baby. You should also consider taking a 10 mcg of Vitamin D daily as low levels of this vitamin have been linked to infertility. Men should consider taking supplements containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium to help improve their sperm quality.

Vaccinations

A rubella infection in pregnancy can have serious consequences for you and your baby. Check that you have had your rubella vaccination.

Eat healthily

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 improve your chances of conceiving.

Reduce Caffeine

Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the length of time it takes to conceive, making it prudent for women contemplating pregnancy to limit their caffeine consumption. The suggested threshold is less than 100mg of caffeine per day.

Exercise regularly

Thirty minutes of regular, moderate exercise a day will improve your fitness and helps you maintain a healthy weight. It also boosts the levels of endorphins, your body’s own ‘happy hormones’, which can reduce stress. Some people find additional relaxation techniques such as meditation or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, also help them to 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 baby.

Stop smoking

Smoking has been linked to infertility and early menopause in women and to sperm quality in men. It is also a known factor in premature and low birth-weight babies.

Keep cool

The testes should be a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of your body to help maximise sperm production. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding activities such as saunas and hot showers may help, as will keeping your laptop away from your genitals.

Medication and drugs

Some prescription drugs can reduce your chances of conceiving, so if you are taking regular medication, speak to your doctor about suitable alternatives. The use of recreational drugs should be completely avoided.

Support and Aftercare

Find out more about our related services

Why Choose Us?

Here are some facts about your fertility journey with us that we’d like to share with you:

Every evaluation and treatment plan is uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs

You will have access to leading professionals, with over 35 years combined expertise, providing you with confidence and reassurance in your fertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in fertility, urology, nutrition, counselling, genetics, endocrinology, haematology and weight management to provide a comprehensive range of support as and when you need it

We will work with you closely to understand your individual circumstances, identify any problems and agree with you, the best course of action to help make your dream a reality

We will always be honest and open about your chances of success with treatment.

Your comfort and care is always our top priority

Our focus remains entirely on you as an individual, your unique needs and your wellbeing

All investigations and treatments are provided within our new state-of-the-art clinic based in Elstree which offers a spacious environment with comfortable surroundings, to enhance your care and experience. We offer investigations and scans at our satellite locations too.

Our friendly consultant-led team is here to support you at every step throughout your fertility journey

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