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FACTS AND HINTS
- The chance for establishing a pregnancy in a completely fertile couple during each month of unprotected intercourse is approximately 25%. On the average it will therefore take ± 5 months to fall pregnant.
- The chance for any pregnancy resulting in a miscarriage is approximately 15%. This is usually due to an abnormality of the foetus and is nature's method of preventing abnormal children being born.
- Your most fertile time of the menstrual cycle is approximately 14 days before the onset of the next menstruation. If you have a regular cycle this fertile period can be calculated in advance.
- Unnatural lubricants may be sperm toxic (such as KY-jelly). During the fertile period, if required, use only the following for lubrication: saliva, a bit of egg white or a commercial lubricant called "Replens".
- Do not be disturbed if semen flows out of the vagina after coitus.
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It has been shown that by taking the vitamin Folic Acid, 5 mg per day prior to conceiving, the chances for miscarriage and foetal abnormalities are reduced.
- More than 5 000 units of vitamin A taken daily in multivitamin tablets may result in a higher risk for foetal abnormalities.
- Cigarette smoking has conclusively been shown to be related to infertility problems, a higher chance for miscarriages, a higher chance for foetal abnormalities and prematurely born infants. It is therefore definitely worthwhile to stop smoking before planning to fall pregnant. Smoking can also reduce sperm morphology and increase sperm DNA abnormalities.
- Over exercising and excessive dieting should be avoided prior to planning conception.
- In borderline sperm abnormalities the frequency of intercourse may be of importance. An abstinence period of longer than 3 days may reduce the sperm morphology. The most optimal frequency of intercourse round about ovulation time would be every 24 hours.
- Moderate to severe use of alcohol may reduce the sperm count and sperm morphology.
- Are you immune against Rubella? Rubella or German Measles is a major cause of severe foetal abnormality if the disease is contracted in early pregnancy. Due to the high risk of especially brain related abnormalities, contracting Rubella within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is considered to be enough reason to have your pregnancy terminated.
Immunity against German Measles follows either after having previously contracted the disease or after having been successfully immunised. A word of warning though: full immunity against Rubella following immunisation occurs only in 80% of cases. If there is any doubt regarding your immunity ask your doctor for a blood test to make sure.
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