Delaying childbirth has become a trend nowadays. Women have become more empowered to pursue their careers while others, especially eldest daughters are left with the responsibility of helping their families.
While having children has always been associated with financial, emotional and mental preparedness, one important factor has not been truly emphasized, especially by the social media. This is the role of biology, specifically reproductive health in preparing for pregnancy.
Whether we accept it or not, a woman’s capacity to bear a child decreases with age. This is primarily due to decline in the quantity and quality of the eggs as women age. A study conducted by WHO has found that infertility rate in women increases by 25% as they reach the age of 35 and 35% by the age of 40. They also reported that increasing numbers of people are affected by infertility with 1 out of 6 people considered to be affected globally.
Couples can be considered infertile if they are not able to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sex. This is why those who are trying to conceive are advised to consult after a year of trying.
As much as infertility is not just a matter concerning women and that men’s reproductive health has also a lot to do with it, this article will limit its focus into female infertility. Today, we will discuss how you can prepare your body for pregnancy, even if you don’t have plans of conceiving yet.
- Do not smoke. Smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke has been well-studied to cause infertility, with increased smoking leading to decreased quality of eggs. It also causes hormonal imbalances. On top of that, it has been found as one of the leading causes of early menopause in women.
- Regulate alcohol intake. A case study of women in the US and Canada has shown that increasing alcohol use has lead to decreased fecundability, the ability to get pregnant in a single menstrual cycle. In a separate study conducted in 252 Swedish women from ages 18-28, scientists found that alcohol consumption of 140 g a week (around 5 ounces or a cup) can significantly increase chances of infertility.
- Maintain a normal BMI. Women that has recorded extreme BMI values, meaning, they are either underweight or overweight were found to have difficulties conceiving. Overweight women are encouraged to lose weight with previous studies showing that even losing 10% of body weight restores normal ovulation. For those who are underweight, it is advised to refrain from engaging in too much exercise and maintain a healthy diet as eating disorders and too much exercise leads to ovulatory dysfunction.
- Check your menstrual cycle. It is important to keep a record of your monthly cycle as menstrual cycle history is important for early checking of normal ovarian function. Women who have regular monthly cycles are most likely to be evaluating. If yours is not and usually unpredictable, then check item no.5
- Have a regular physical exam. It is important for a woman to include in their annual physical exam, laboratory tests that will help assess reproductive health. A common diagnostic test is vaginal ultrasound that checks the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, both listed by WHO as common ovulatory disorders in women. Further diagnostic tests can be recommended by your doctor once you have yourself checked.
As much as I support women pursuing their careers and spending more time getting to know themselves better, delaying pregnancy at a later age will pose a significant risk in reproductive health. Having a child is not just a matter of being financially,mentally and emotionally prepared. What if you are already all those things but by the time you are, you found that you can no longer conceive?
If you are someone who wants to have a child of your own, may it be now or in the future, it is about time to seriously consider your reproductive health. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and get yourself a regular check-up. I hope the 5 tips I have shared can help you in preparing your body for pregnancy.
