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Pre-conception advice
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Prevention of spina bifida
- Rubella
- Cervical smear
Smoking
There is now a good deal of evidence that suggests that smoking is harmful both to male and female fertility. Put into real terms if a woman smokes 20 cigarettes per day she reduces her natural fertility by over 20%. Smoking is also harmful to the developing fetus both in the short term during the course of the pregnancy, and recent evidence would suggest in the long term with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in mid-life.
Finally there is also good evidence that a smoker in the family makes you more likely to have a child who could have a Cot Death. Therefore, it is advisable to stop smoking prior to trying to start a family.
Alcohol
Alcohol in excess can cause problems with both male and female fertility. Recent evidence would suggest that women who drink more than 10 units (a glass of wine = 1 unit) per week have reduced fertility. In addition high alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormality.
Prevention of spina bifida
There is evidence that a small dose of folic acid (400 mcg 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. Please note any women who suffer from epilepsy should take double the dose at 800 mcg daily.
Rubella
Finally, it is worth checking to make sure you are immune to 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 fetus. A simple blood test will show whether or not you are rubella immune. This could be organised either through the hospital clinic or through your GP.
Cervical Smear
Regular cervical smears lowers the incidence of cervical cancer. In the United Kingdom women routinely have smears performed every 3 years, if you are close to requiring a repeat smear it is advisable to have this performed before you start on treatment.