Planning pregnancy involves knowing what to avoid as well as what to do. These 11 points may affect conception and future fetal health:
1. Avoid excessive weight loss or gain
Being underweight or overweight may disrupt ovulation. Obesity raises risks including miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and birth defects. A BMI of 18.5-27 is suggested.
2. Avoid overtraining
Moderate exercise is beneficial, but intense endurance training may disrupt hormones and ovulation.
3. Do not delay too long
Female fertility peaks in the 20s and declines in the 30s; age can also affect sperm motility.
4. Do not wait for a missed period to stop alcohol
Alcohol may affect early fetal brain and nervous-system development and male sperm quality.
5. Do not smoke
Smoking lowers conception rates, raises ectopic-pregnancy and miscarriage risk, impairs ovaries, and reduces sperm count and motility.
6. Do not take excessive vitamins
400 micrograms of folic acid daily is commonly recommended, but excess vitamin A may harm fetal development. Follow medical guidance.
7. Limit caffeine
Moderate intake has little effect, but excessive caffeine may reduce conception rates.
8. Do not neglect intercourse frequency
Regular intercourse, such as every two days, may improve conception rates.
9. Do not stop medication without guidance
Stopping prescribed medication may endanger mother and fetus. Plan treatment with a doctor.
10. Do not use illicit drugs
Both partners should avoid illicit drugs before conception.
11. Do not neglect vaccination
Ensure vaccinations, especially rubella, varicella, and hepatitis, are current at least one month before pregnancy.
Avoiding these behaviors may improve conception prospects and support a healthy pregnancy.
Source:
Collected online
Published 2024-12-31
This article was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician. Content guidelines & editorial policy
Guide | Preconception Health: 11 Things to Avoid
Guide | Preconception Health: 11 Things to Avoid
Planning pregnancy involves knowing what to avoid as well as what to do. These 11 points may affect conception and future fetal health:
1. Avoid excessive weight loss or gain
Being underweight or overweight may disrupt ovulation. Obesity raises risks including miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and birth defects. A BMI of 18.5-27 is suggested.
2. Avoid overtraining
Moderate exercise is beneficial, but intense endurance training may disrupt hormones and ovulation.
3. Do not delay too long
Female fertility peaks in the 20s and declines in the 30s; age can also affect sperm motility.
4. Do not wait for a missed period to stop alcohol
Alcohol may affect early fetal brain and nervous-system development and male sperm quality.
5. Do not smoke
Smoking lowers conception rates, raises ectopic-pregnancy and miscarriage risk, impairs ovaries, and reduces sperm count and motility.
6. Do not take excessive vitamins
400 micrograms of folic acid daily is commonly recommended, but excess vitamin A may harm fetal development. Follow medical guidance.
7. Limit caffeine
Moderate intake has little effect, but excessive caffeine may reduce conception rates.
8. Do not neglect intercourse frequency
Regular intercourse, such as every two days, may improve conception rates.
9. Do not stop medication without guidance
Stopping prescribed medication may endanger mother and fetus. Plan treatment with a doctor.
10. Do not use illicit drugs
Both partners should avoid illicit drugs before conception.
11. Do not neglect vaccination
Ensure vaccinations, especially rubella, varicella, and hepatitis, are current at least one month before pregnancy.
Avoiding these behaviors may improve conception prospects and support a healthy pregnancy.
Source:
Collected online