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Handy hints for making babies

For women and men
Helpful tools
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For women

Handy tips for boosting fertility: women

Making certain lifestyle changes can improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Here are some handy tips for women:

1. Maintain a healthy BMI (20-25)

  • A healthy BMI is linked to better fertility. Overweight women may face pregnancy-related complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

  • Focus on a healthy diet and regular moderate exercise.

2. Avoid smoking and drugs

  • Smoking can halve your chances of conceiving each month and may double the risk of miscarriage.

3. Take folic acid

  • Take folic acid supplements when trying to conceive and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid can reduce the risk of spina bifida by up to 92%. Consider other minerals and supplements as well.

  • Use iodised salt to ensure adequate iodine intake, which is essential for foetal brain development.

  • Avoid products containing vitamin A.

4. Reduce alcohol and caffeine

  • Caffeine may decrease your chances of conceiving, and there's no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it.

5. Review medications

  • Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking.

6. Ensure rubella immunisation

  • Make sure you've had a rubella immunisation, as rubella can harm unborn babies.

7. Chickenpox

  • Check your immunity status regarding chickenpox, as it can also impact pregnancy.

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For men

Handy tips for boosting fertility: men

Enhancing fertility and increasing the chances of conception can be influenced by various lifestyle factors. Here are some handy tips for men:

1. Avoid smoking and drugs

  • Smoking and certain recreational drugs can negatively impact sperm quality.

2. Limit alcohol intake

  • Reduce alcohol consumption to 20 units or less per week, as excessive alcohol can affect fertility.

3. Maintain a healthy BMI

  • Stay active and aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) below 28. Obesity can lower sperm count by about 22% compared to slimmer individuals.

4. Keep testes cool

  • Opt for boxer shorts over briefs to help keep the testes cool.

  • Sedentary jobs can lead to poorer sperm quality due to increased testicular temperature. Keep laptops off your lap!

  • Avoid frequent hot baths, saunas, or spa sessions.

5. Follow a healthy diet

  • Incorporate plenty of antioxidants into your diet, as they can protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are abundant in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, green tea, and dark chocolate.

  • Consider health supplements like Menevit, which contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, to help improve sperm quality.

6. Review medications

  • Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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