The dream of becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful hopes in every woman's life. So if you are also someone who is preparing for that beautiful journey, it is very important to prepare your body well for it. We often think that we need to take care of these things only after getting pregnant. But the truth is, small changes you make in your lifestyle from the time you are trying to conceive a baby can greatly increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Today, we will talk about some bad habits that you should definitely give up, or at least reduce to a great extent, when trying to conceive a baby.
How does alcohol use affect pregnancy?
Some people may think, "It's okay to have a little drink at a party." But experts say that if you're expecting a baby, it's best to stop drinking alcohol altogether. If that's not possible, you should cut down as much as possible.
Because alcohol is directly linked to infertility and miscarriage risk . Imagine how much harm it can do to your baby's development if you drink alcohol in the first few weeks before you even know you're pregnant? Alcohol can disrupt your body's hormonal balance and interfere with ovulation . So, make it a point to completely abstain from alcohol from the day you decide to have a baby. It will be the biggest decision you will make for your unborn child.
Do you also need to think about coffee, tea, and caffeine?
In Sri Lanka, we can't do without a cup of tea or coffee in the morning. But you should also think twice about the stimulant caffeine found in coffee and tea. Studies have found that excessive caffeine consumption can be linked to infertility and the risk of miscarriage.
"So should I stop drinking tea and coffee altogether?" you may be wondering. You don't have to stop drinking altogether. But it's important to limit your intake. Limiting yourself to one or two cups a day is the safest option. Some chocolates, soft drinks, and some painkillers can also contain caffeine. So, it's a good idea to be a little careful before you eat or drink anything.
Smoking: The biggest enemy of fertility
This is a no-brainer. If you're trying to have a baby, smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your fertility. Some studies have shown that a woman who smokes has a lower chance of getting pregnant than someone who is 10 years older than her actual age.
Simply put, if you are 29 years old, smoking will reduce your fertility to that of a 39-year-old woman. This is a very serious situation.
A woman's fertility naturally declines as she ages. The nicotine and other toxic chemicals in cigarettes interfere with the body's production of the hormone estrogen . This hormone controls egg maturation. Smoking also increases the risk of genetic abnormalities in a woman's eggs. This is a major obstacle to conceiving a healthy child.
The good news is that if you quit smoking today, you can prevent future damage. While some damage cannot be reversed, your body will start to recover from the moment you quit. Also, even if you don't smoke, breathing in secondhand smoke (passive smoking) can negatively affect your fertility. Therefore, it is very important to stay away from places where people smoke.
Does this apply to men too?
Yes, definitely. Having a child is a shared responsibility. Smoking directly affects the quality, quantity, and motility of men's sperm . Therefore, if you want a healthy child , both the mother and the father should completely quit smoking.
| Habit to avoid | How it affects fertility |
|---|---|
| Drinking alcohol | Hormonal imbalances, disruption of ovulation, increased risk of miscarriage. |
| Smoking (active and passive) | Disruption of the estrogen hormone, decreased egg quality, risk of genetic defects, damage to sperm in men. |
| Too much caffeine | May be associated with infertility and risk of miscarriage. It is advisable to limit to 1-2 cups per day. |
| Herbs/supplements without medical advice | Their effectiveness and safety have not been studied. Some of them interfere with sperm entering the egg. |
Are the herbal remedies and supplements you use dangerous?
Many people in our country use traditional herbs, decoctions, or supplements for various ailments. But if you are planning to have a baby, do not use anything that has not been recommended by a doctor .
Although they may seem harmless because they are "natural," there are no scientific studies on how some of the ingredients they contain affect your body or your ability to conceive. For example, Echinacea, a popular immune-boosting herb in Western countries, has been found to reduce sperm penetration.
Therefore, it is safest not to use any herbs or supplements other than essential vitamins like folic acid that your doctor recommends. If you have any doubts about something, be sure to talk to your doctor before using it.
Remember, making these lifestyle changes may be difficult, but it's all about laying a strong, healthy foundation for your journey to achieving your greatest dream.
Take-Home Message
- If you are expecting a baby, stop drinking alcohol and smoking (and being exposed to secondhand smoke) completely. This applies to both of you.
- Limit caffeine (tea, coffee) consumption to one or two cups per day.
- Avoid taking any herbal remedies, decoctions, or supplements without the advice of a doctor.
- If you have any concerns about your fertility or lifestyle changes, don't be shy and talk openly with your doctor.
- The best preparation for this journey is to maintain a healthy mind and body.
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