GENERAL HEALTH ADVICE

• Smoking:
  
  

  The chance of establishing a pregnancy via ASSISTED REPRODUCTION is reduced significantly if the woman smokes or is a passive smoker.
  
  Smoking by men is hazardous to sperm production and quality, therefore decreases the chances of pregnancy in already compromised individuals.
  
  You should stop smoking at least three months before starting treatment.

• Body weight:
  
  

  A woman's weight can affect her fertility. If a woman is very thin or obese, the success of IVF/ICSI may be negatively affected.
  Obese women have a much lower pregnancy rate than women of normal weight.
  Obese men may have ejaculates of poor quality or reduced numbers of sperm.
  Expert medical professionals at (New Hope Gynecology and Fertility) can provide medical advice and weight management programs on request.

• Defective closures of the spine (spina bifida):
  
  
  As with any fertile woman preparing herself for pregnancy, you are advised to take Folic acid tablets to reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
  
  
• Rubella (German measles):
  
  
  Unvaccinated women who have never had rubella and who are exposed to rubella during pregnancy may give birth to babies with serious health problems. Having a Vaccinations before becoming pregnant will avoid this.
  
  
• Premarriage counseling:
  
  
  If there is a family history of Diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroid and early menopause it is always advisable to consult earlier.
  For the parents it is better to seek advice for their children who suffer from metabolic disorders.