Pre-conception advice

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Body Mass Index
• Prevention of spina bifida
• Rubella
• Cervical smear

Smoking

There is now a good deal of evidence that suggests that smoking is harmful to both male and female fertility. It has been estimated that if a woman smokes 20 cigarettes per day she reduces her natural fertility by over 20%.

Research suggests that smoking is harmful to the developing fetus, both in the short term during the course of the pregnancy and in the long term with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in mid-life. A smoker in the family increases the risk of a Cot Death. Therefore, we strongly advise you to stop smoking prior to trying to start a family.

Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol can reduce fertility in both males and females. Recent evidence suggests that women should not consume more than 5, and men not more than 10 units per week (a glass of wine = 1 unit). Excessive alcohol intake can have many harmful effects on the fetus including abnormalities.

Body mass index (BMI)

It is important to be normal weight for your height for best chance of pregnancy. Obese men also experience subfertility. Normal BMI is 20- 25. There is good evidence that a BMI of 30 reduces the chances of pregnancy by 20%.

Prevention of spina bifida

There is evidence that a small dose of folic acid (400mcg daily) is helpful in lowering the incidence of fetal abnormalities such as spina bifida. All women going through the IVF programme should consider taking this small daily dose of folic acid. Women who suffer from epilepsy or have a history of spina bifida in their family should take 5mgs folic acid daily.

Rubella (German Measles)

Although most women were vaccinated while at school, the vaccine occasionally is not effective. If you are not immune to rubella and you contract the condition in pregnancy, it can have disastrous effects on the foetus. A simple blood test will show whether or not you are immune. This could be organised either through the hospital clinic or through your GP.

Cervical Smear

Regular cervical smears lower the incidence of cervical cancer. In the United Kingdom women routinely have smears performed every 3 years. You should have a smear within this period before you start treatment. It is not advisable to have concerns with abnormal smears during treatment or in pregnancy.