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64 WDDTY | ISSUE 01 | AUG/SEP 2019 FACEBOOK.COM/WDDTYAUNZFAMILY HEALTHBeing in a state of optimal
health plays an important role
in increasing your fertility and
improving your chance of
natural conception. Here are
some helpful hints, as advised by
leading fertility specialists.See Your GP
Have your doctor assess your
medical history. “He or she
can perform antenatal blood
test to screen for pre-existing
medical concerns,” explains
leading fertility specialist and
gynaecologist, Dr. Raewyn
Teirney. “They should also review
any medications you might be on
that could interfere with natural
conception.”Take Pre-Conception
Vitamins
According to WHO guidelines
and RANZCOG (Royal
Australian and New Zealand
College of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists)
recommendations, women who
are trying for a baby should take a
vitamin supplement containing
folic acid and iodine.“Medical experts recommend all
women trying to conceive, who
are pregnant or are breastfeeding
take an iodine supplement of 150
micrograms (μg) daily,” advises
Dr. Teirney. “Folic acid is a B
group vitamin and is essential
for neural tube developmentStop smoking
Smoking is directly related to
poor reproductive health in both
males and females. “It is one of
the most detrimental lifestyle risk
factors and compromises egg and
sperm quality,” states Dr. Teirney.
If you’re having trouble giving it
up, visit http://www.helptoquit.com.auduring the first 12 weeks of foetal
growth. I also advise my male
patients to increase their intake of
antioxidants and selenium, zinc
and garlic, as these support male
fertility and sperm health.”Enjoy a healthy, well-
balanced diet
“Eating a nutritious, clean, well-
balanced diet will help to ensure
that you are consuming the right
blend of nutrients, vitamins and
minerals,” explains Dr. Teirney.
“It will also you maintain an ideal
weight, which is important to
support natural conception.”Have sex up to two or
three times per week
“We now know that frequent
ejaculation helps maintain sperm
health,” says Dr. Teirney. “With
this in mind, don’t save sexual
encounters only for when you are
most fertile. Spice things up in the
bedroom and enjoy sex a few times
each week!”6
KEEP YOUR
WEIGHT HEALTHY
“On that note, maintaining a healthy
weight - for both men and women – is
known to improve your chance of natural
conception,” says Dr. Teirney. “The best
way to determine this is by checking your
Body Mass Index. The ideal Body
Mass Index is between 19 and
24/25.”Trying to fall pregnant? Here are some natural
ways to boost your chances! By Shonagh Walker
Natural
Ways To
Boost Your
Fertility