Birthday celebrations Teacher’s centenary

Your lifestyle is an important factor in fertility and something you need to consider when trying for a baby we spoke to consultant gynaecologist , Miss neelima DIxit about her top tips for increasing your chances

A former teacher who taught children across the Chichester and Bognor Regis areas has celebrated her 100th birthday. Bracklesham’s Molly Pope (née Sprent) spent most of her teaching career at Westloats Lane Secondary School for Girls in Bognor Regis in the 1950s, but after having her own children she taught part-time at several other schools in the Witterings, Singleton, Walberton and Mundham during the 1970s and 1980s. Since she retired Molly has been an active member of the Wittering Quilters, and also took up short-mat bowls to keep fit. Molly keeps up-to-date with family and friends on her ipad – and on April 13 she received a video of birthday messages from nearly 70 of them from around the world as Covid restrictions prevented her hosting a party.

Gynaecologist Ms. Neelima Dixit is a Fertility Specialist at Chichester Nuffield. “We take weight seriously,” she said. “In women, obesity is associated with increased risk of almost all pregnancy complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, and difficulty with labour and birth. Overweight women can also struggle to ovulate regularly without assistance.

“We need to be careful [advising about] rapid weight loss though…rapid dieting can be detrimental to long-term reproductive health.” Weight loss should be achieved “sensibly and slowly” so that the weight stays off.

“However being underweight has significant effects on ovulation as well, and, if pregnancy is achieved, can be associated with growth restriction in the baby,” Dixit acknowledged.

Men haven’t been let off the hook. “Obesity is associated with hormonal effects, inflammatory changes and oxidative stress, leading to low sperm counts, fragmentation of sperm DNA and other fertility issues,” Dixit said.

Environmental agent-exposure

“The effects of cigarettes, alcohol and recreational drugs on reproductive health are well known,” Dixit said. “There is also increasing evidence that exposure to harmful substances in our everyday environment may be having long-reaching effects on our ability to reproduce.”

Plasticisers (substances that keep plastics flexible) have been linked to multiple adverse health effects, “including altered reproductive development and male fertility issues,” Dixit said. Bisphenol A in hard plastics for example is an “endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemical that can have trans-generational effects on [egg and sperm development].” Her tip? “Don’t use plastic wrap or plastic containers when heating food in the microwave.”

What about stress?

The relationship between stress and infertility is complex, and the evidence around this is conflicting, Dixit acknowledged. “But we do see that approaches such as mindfulness and acupuncture can work with stress reduction, and that pregnancy sometimes follows.

Did you know; At our fertility peak, natural intercourse has a maximum chance of pregnancy of only about 25 per cent per month?

Do you exercise?

Not only does exercise help you keep a healthy weight, it also strengthens muscle, increases circulation, reduces stress, prevents anxiety and promotes a healthier you. It is generally accepted that regular moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes 3 times per week, keeps you fit and healthy. A bit of strength training also helps muscles maintain strength to support your body. Great exercise for those trying to fall pregnant include brisk walking, swimming, yoga, aerobics, bike riding and jogging, Dixit said.

Remember not to overdo it though; extreme exercise may affect your fertility adversely so balanced is best. It’s also advised that you speak to your fertility specialist about what is best for you.

Do you drink enough water?

Our bodies are about 60% water and we need between 3.7 litres (for men) and 2.7 litres (for women) per day to stay hydrated. This includes all fluids such as water, juice, coffee, tea and water-rich foods. Take it easy on the caffeinated drinks though, too much caffeine isn’t good for you.

So why is it so important to stay hydrated – apart from the obvious? Ms Dixit explains; Dehydration can affect cervical mucus. Cervical mucus helps to transport and protect sperm to the fallopian tubes for egg fertilisation. The more hydrated your cervical mucus is, the easier sperm can travel through it, Dixit advised.

Not wanting to leave the blokes out of the picture, dehydration can also affect sperm count and quality. Stay hydrated!

We suggest buying yourself a 2-3 litre jug or water bottle and making your way through it every day. This way, you’ll know how much of the good stuff you’ve had.

Do you get enough sleep?

It may sound like a no-brainer but it’s true that our bodies need good quality sleep to function properly. While we sleep our bodies repair, rejuvenate and regulate our hormones. Ms Dixit is not advocating how many hours you should have as each person is different but so long as you are getting enough good quality sleep for you to feel rejuvenated in the morning, it will really help!

Try turning off your phone, avoiding social media, emails and any technology related activity in the boudoir.

Bedrooms are for sleeping, reading and making babies.

Do you eat well?

It won’t surprise you that a healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbohydrates and dairy is recommended. Ms Dixit also suggests including these sustenance standouts that have been known to help with fertility: Iron, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 ( folate),vitamin D, Zinc, essential fatty acids and beta carotenes.

Every little bit counts when you’re trying for a baby. Ask yourself these questions and see how many you are including in your daily routine already. If you feel you are doing all the right things and have been trying to conceive for over 6-12 months, you may want to talk to us about your options.

Nuffield Health Chichester provides wide range of services using state-of-the-art medical equipment. Rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, Nuffield Health Chichester is a centre of excellence in Orthopaedics, Women’s and Men’s Health, Ophthalmology and General Surgery.

With rapid access to treatment, first-class patient accommodation and end-to-end support from chosen specialist consultants, Nuffield Health Chichester provides tailored treatment and care. For more information or to book a consultation with Miss Dixit, call 01243 884553.