and minerals will not only give your body the best possible chance of conceiving but will also give your baby the best possible start to lifeif you do fall pregnant. Eat more green leafy vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, low fat dairy products and protein rich foods.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) is reported to be beneficial for the development of your child's brain and eyesight; however, it's often recommended that larger fish species, such as swordfish and shark, be avoided since they may contain high levels of mercury. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, refined sugar and salt.

A good night's sleep is also important. Try to get into a regular sleep pattern by going to bed at the same time each night and aim for eight hours a night.

If you have a specific concern you'd like to address, or simply wish to find out more about fertility, you can visit:

• Fertility Society of Australia at www.fsa.au.com.
• The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health at www.jeanhailes.org.au.
• Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• HealthInsite (Australian Government) at www.healthinsite.gov.au.
• Monash IVF at www.monashivf.com.
• Overcoming Infertility at www.jansen.com.au.

*Source: * Chavaro, J.E. et al (2007) Obstretics and Gynecology 110:5

Your good-health checklist

If you're planning to conceive and you want your body in optimum good health, the following checklist may point you in the right direction.

Weight: If you are underweight or overweight your chances of conceiving can be significantly reduced. If you are overweight, get into the habit of doing regular exercise and encourage your partner to exercise with you. Even if you are at a healthy weight, you need to look at what you eat to make sure you are consuming the right foods, and eliminating the wrong ones. (See Fertility and diet.)

Smoking: Cigarettes have a major impact on your general health. When it comes to female fertility, smoking can damage your cervix and fallopian tubes, and is thought to age your ovaries and deplete your eggs prematurely. Smokers also have a higher incidence of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, stillbirths and low birth-weight babies. Babies born to women who smoke are at higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If your partner smokes, the second hand smoke can contribute to these problems. Smoking can also adversely affect the quality of sperm.*

Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol (more than two or three standard drinks a day) is associated with an increased risk of ovulation disorders and endometriosis, and can reduce the fertility of both men and women.* Many fertility specialists believe you should err on the side of caution and abstain from alcohol entirely if you are pregnant or plan to conceive.So zero alcohol is recommended If you do conceive, alcohol can put your child at risk of foetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause developmental problems.

Coffee: Consuming more than six cups of coffee a day can decrease your fertility.**

Drugs: If you are on any medication, check with your doctor to make sure it will not have adverse effects on your fertility. The use of so-called recreational or non-prescription drugs must be avoided.

Stress: Difficulty conceiving can put stress on your relationship with your partner, which in turn can make it harder to conceive. So it's vital you manage your stress levels. Go away for the weekend or try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. And remember to keep the lines of communication open so your partner knows how you're feeling.

Sources:
* www.uptodate.com
** Mayo Clinic

 

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