Why lifestyle matters

Why lifestyle matters

If you’re planning to have a baby there are a few changes you could make to increase your chances of conceiving.

Smoking

If either you or your partner smokes, it could be more difficult for you to get pregnant. You are more likely to have pregnancy problems and increase the risk of having a miscarriage.  See our  tips (below) to help you quit.

Drinking

Alcohol may affect fertility and sperm quality, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Limit your drinking and stick to the Government’s ‘sensible drinking’ guideline: a maximum of 2-3 units a day for women, and 3-4 units a day for men. Women who are pregnant are advised to drink less than this or no alcohol at all.

Caffeine

the stimulant found in tea, coffee and cola drinks does seem to lower a woman’s chances of conceiving. More than three cups of coffee a day can have this effect. So if you’ve been trying for some months without success, switching to caffeine-free drinks could be your ticket to success.

Tips to help you stop smoking

Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but you can stop, and with help, you will. Try:

  1. Call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline FREE on 0800 169 9 169, 12 noon to 9pm daily. You can speak to a specialist adviser, get details of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service, and a free booklet. A free call-back service is available for extra support. Visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk for further support.
  2. Decide on a date to stop. Plan activities for that day which you don’t associate with smoking; breakfast in bed, a walk, a swim, a massage, and go to places where smoking isn’t allowed, like cinemas or shops. The first day without a cigarette will show you that you can do it.
  3. Accept that you will have withdrawal symptoms. You may yearn for a cigarette, or become very irritable or anxious. The worst effects will be over in a few days, but remind yourself that the benefits to your baby will last a lifetime.
  4. Ask your midwife or GP for advice on nicotine replacement therapy.
  5. Combat any lack of energy you may feel by eating little and often; nibble a breadstick, or have some fresh fruit. Try to get plenty of exercise; this can replace the ‘kick’ that nicotine used to bring.