Fertility is a crucial aspect of human life. It refers to the natural ability to conceive and bear children. Understanding fertility is essential for those planning a family. It involves various factors, including health, age, and lifestyle.
Getting pregnant can be an exciting journey. But it often raises many questions. How can you improve your chances of conceiving naturally? What lifestyle changes can help? In this blog post, we’ll address common concerns and provide practical tips. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge as you embark on this path toward parenthood. Let’s explore the answers together.
What is Fertility?
It is the ability to have children.
Which is the best time to get
Pregnant?
Fertility declines with increasing age of both partners. In women their chances
of conception are decreased by half after 30 years. So to have children,
younger the age of both partners, better the chances.
What kind of diet and lifestyle
should be followed while planning pregnancy?
Both
partners should have a body mass index of 20-25 kg/m2. Especially in women,
very low BMI(very thin women) or very high BMI(Obese women) are associated with
decreased fertility. Dist rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts like almonds and
walnuts, pulses, legumes, millets like ragi, are essential. Non vegetarians can
add milk, eggs & fish for protein. Physical activity (walking, cycling etc)
for atleast an hour daily is advised. Folic acid supplementation is essential
for all women regardless of age, even while planning conception as it prevents
neural tube defects.
Does drinking Tea & Coffee affect
fertility?
Yes. In
women, high levels of caffeine consumption (500mg that is more than 5 cups of
coffee a day) is associated with decreased fertility.
In
pregnancy even 2-3 cups of coffee/day can increase the chances of miscarriage
or abortion.
There
is no effect of coffee on semen parameters.
Does smoking reduce the chance of
conception?
Definitely.
In women, smoking(even passive smoking) increases the rate ofdepletion of
oocytes and these women may attain menopause earlier than non-smokers.
In
men, smoking decreases sperm count and motility.
Does alcohol reduce chances of
conception?
No clear
evidence regarding this. Alcohol definitely affects the fetus if consumed
during pregnancy. No safe limit has been advised during pregnancy.
But
effects of alcohol on egg and sperm quality- have not been proved.
How frequent should a couple have
intercourse to conceive naturally?
Chances
of getting pregnant are more with frequent intercourse (every day or every
alternate day)
Intercourse once a week decreases the chances of getting pregnant.
What is the ideal time to have
intercourse?
Ideal
time is during the "fertile window"
Fertile
window is the time (approximately 6-7 days) just before and shortly after
ovulation (rupture of ovarian follicle to release the oocyte)
The
sperm can remain active inside the vagina or uterus for 3-5 days and it can
fertilise the egg during this time.
The
egg(ovum) can remain alive and is capable of fertilisation for only 12-24 hours
after ovulation (its release from the ovarian follicles)
The
time of ovulation can vary even in the same women from month to month.
Ovulation can be detected even at home using simple ovulation kits.
Does bed rest after intercourse
increase chances of conception?
No. The
sperms are motile and swim up into the uterus and both the fallopian tubes
within 5 minutes of ejaculation.
The
seminal fluid in the vagina will anyway come out even if the women stays in the
same position for many hours and then stands up.
It
is better to wash off the seminal fluid about 15-20 mins after intercourse as
it may lead to infection of the genital tract otherwise.
Is bed rest essential after ovulation
so that the fertilized embryo implants well without falling out?
No.
Fertilisation of the egg with the sperm happens in the fallopian tube and bed
rest does not increase chances of implantation. Normal physical activity can be
encouraged. Climbing stairs having sexual intercourse, and other activities
does not increase the chances of abortion.
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