Despite some factors that are out of your control when it comes to the health of your future baby (such as genetics, age and family history), there are a lot of things that are within your control. Creating healthy eating habits now during the preconception period, is one of them.
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly needs to happen during conception in order to create your future baby.
It all starts with the big O! We are talking about ovulation, of course!
Ovulation is the process whereby a hormone change will trigger a female ovary to release an egg into one of the fallopian tubes so that it can potentially be fertilised.
The menstrual cycle starts with the first day of the period and ends when the next period begins. Hormone signals are sent back and forth between the brain and the ovaries, causing changes to the sacs in the ovaries that contain eggs (follicles) and the uterus. The first part of the cycle prepares an egg to be released from the ovary and builds the lining of the uterus, while the second part of the cycle prepares the uterus and body to accept a fertilised egg, or to shed the thickening of the uterus lining if fertilisation did not occur.
Having sex with your partner on the day you ovulate gives the best chance for the egg and the sperm to meet successfully. However, tracking your ovulation can at times be a bit tricky.
Your preconception evaluation is conducted at your health clinic and will include pre-pregnancy specific tests, evaluations and medical screenings, plus many of the standard screenings you receive as part of your regular annual visit.
It is important to understand that not only does your lifestyle and medical history play a role in your future baby’s health and wellbeing, but some family genes can also have an impact on your fertility and your pregnancy.
Let’s talk about all the fathers to be. There is plenty of information for women on how they can improve their fertility, chances for conception and having a healthy baby, but the same can’t be said for men. However, it is important to appreciate that dad’s sperm is just as important when it comes to making a healthy baby.
There are many medical factors that can influence a woman's fertility. Some of these are out of her control, while others can be managed with the help of a doctor. Here are some of the most common medical factors that can affect fertility.
