Did you know?
More than 70 per cent
of women under 30 conceive within three months. For women over 36, this drops
to about 40 per cent.
You've found a
partner, set up a cosy house and now you want to have a baby but it's not
happening. You might make up the one in six couples with fertility problems.
"Many
people have difficulties with infertility. But there are positive things you
can do to maximise your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy
baby," says Fertility Coalition spokeswoman Louise Johnson.
Clean living
Lifestyle factors can
have an influence on fertility and the time it takes you to conceive.
"We
all know smoking is bad for us but people aren't so aware that smoking can also
affect your fertility. It can increase the time it takes to conceive,"
Johnson says. "Exposure to passive smoking can make it take longer to
become pregnant."
Alcohol intake is another factor. The National Health
and Medical Research Council's advice for women trying to conceive is to steer
clear of all alcohol. Men should not exceed the safe drinking limit of two
standard drinks per day.
While you're giving up smoking and drinking, it might
be worth cutting back on caffeine too. High caffeine intake has been linked
with female infertility in some studies. IVF Australia recommends a moderate
intake of coffee (two cups per day) for women hoping to start a family.
Diet
Leah Hechtman,
director of Sydney's Natural Health and Fertility Centre, says it is crucial
women are a healthy weight as body weight influences ovulation. Being underweight
can be just as problematic as being overweight.
"Some women can start
ovulating by losing just two kilograms; others menstruate by gaining two
kilograms. We're not talking about massive amounts, but the hormonal balance
changes dramatically - it's very quick and simple.
"Your diet is
everything. Every aspect of your child's health is influenced at the time of
conception," Hechtman says.
Alternative therapies
It might be worth
trying alternative therapies to boost fertility.
Scientific evidence suggests
acupuncture increases your changes of conceiving. According to a University of
Adelaide study, when it is combined with IVF, success rates are
doubled.
"Chinese medicine has a measurable effect on fertility for
couples trying to conceive naturally and for those using assisted reproductive
technologies like IVF," says acupuncturist Jonathan Hanlon.
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/parenting+pregnancy/pregnancy/three+tips+to+boost+fertility,18325
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