THE GP
GIUSEPPINA DEL BIANCO
From a biological point of view it is true that the best time to conceive is under 30, but medicine – and women – have moved on. Fertility slowly decreases as the years go by, but healthy babies are born to mothers of all ages. You are right to think about your physical and mental health; the best start for baby is a healthy mum. If you smoke stop at once, reduce your alcohol intake (ideally stop drinking altogether) and try to achieve your ideal weight for your height. Obesity increases the risk of complications. Start taking folic acid straight away as it reduces the risk of spina bifida. Walk as much as possible and do exercises to strengthen your core muscles. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. In other words just do what all of us should be doing! Be wary, though, of dairy products made with unpasteurised milk because listeria, a normally innocuous bacterium, can be harmful in pregnancy, leading to (in the worst cases) infection or miscarriage.
THE SPECIALIST IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
DR ZHAI
As a woman gets older the quality and quantity of eggs she produces declines, but it does not mean that you are infertile. Take folic acid (get a good supplement), eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish and eggs, and ensure you take some moderate exercise. I am not very keen on people using the word 'trying’, as no one needs to 'try’ to become pregnant unless she isunable to have intercourse normally. My recommendation for couples is to have intercourse about twice a week (every three days) so that you don’t miss the most fertile time. If you would like to take control of your fertility I can see no reason why you shouldn’t see your doctor or gynaecologist for basic tests to be sure you are in good form. These should include a fallopian tubal patency test (hysterosalpingogram or hycosy), a pelvic ultrasound scan (try to arrange this scan and the hysterosalpingogram or hycosy after your period), ovarian reserve (FSH, LH, oestradiol and prolactin) and ovarian fertility potential test (these are to be arranged on days two to three of the menstrual cycle). Your partner/husband should also have a detailed semen analysis. Good luck!
THE YOGA AND PILATES EXPERT
ANGIE NEWSON
The fitter and healthier you are, the easier it will be to become pregnant and to recover quickly after giving birth. But always check with your GP before starting any exercise regime as too much or too little exercise may affect fertility. Yoga and pilates offer gentle exercise to improve strength, endurance and stamina, bringing balance to both mind and body, reducing stress and tension – which can increase if you don’t get pregnant exactly when you want to – and preparing the body for labour. Adding aqua aerobics and swimming to your regime is great for all-round fitness. Include pelvic-floor exercises (although ease off during the latter stages of pregnancy as you need to 'soften’ and 'release’ this area to let the baby out) and continue with these after the birth to help minimise any incontinence issues. Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, stop smoking, avoid eating swordfish, shark and marlin (because of the high levels of mercury) and eat lots of leafy green vegetables, asparagus, lentils and papaya for natural folic acid.
- Always consult a medical practitioner if your symptoms persist. Send your health questions, for publication only, to stellahealth@telegraph.co.uk
- Angie Newson is at exploreyogapilates.com. Contact Dr Zhai on 020 7486 8438