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Ready for round two? Preparing your body for your second pregnancy

in Getting Pregnant

Once your first baby’s gone from a bundle in your arms to a cheerful toddler, you may be questioning whether you’re ready for your second pregnancy.

Your second pregnancy is a big decision and one which takes considerable thought. However, similarly to your first pregnancy, it’s essential to prepare your body.

Common questions include:

  • Is second pregnancy worse than first?
  • How many years gap for second baby?
  • What are the early signs of second pregnancy?
  • What are the second pregnancy symptoms?

pregnancy nutrients

Second pregnancy nutrition: What you need to know

Maintaining adequate nutrient levels is crucial during your second pregnancy. Some studies have shown that short intervals between pregnancies increase the risk of micronutrient depletion, which is particularly critical for nutrients like calcium, iron and folate. Here's how to address those key needs:

 

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These help restore essential fats that can be depleted during a second pregnancy. Insufficient dietary intake or supplementation may lead to deficiencies during and after pregnancy. Think about adding fatty fish, such as salmon, chia seeds, walnuts or flaxseeds into your diet.
  • Iron: Pregnancy necessitates an increase in iron intake, potentially up to 50%, to support the production of additional red blood cells. These cells are vital for delivering nourishment to the foetus via the bloodstream. Increase iron consumption through seafood, beans, peas, dried fruits and green vegetables.
  • Folic Acid: Replenishing folic acid is important before a second pregnancy. It is essential for foetal development, facilitating cell division. Dietary sources include legumes, seeds, nuts and green leafy vegetables.
  • Zinc: Zinc deficiency is common. Consuming nuts, seeds, meats, legumes, and dairy is important for maintaining sufficient zinc levels and preventing deficiency in your unborn child.

pregnant exercise

Exercise tips for your second pregnancy

Staying active during your second pregnancy offers benefits for both you and your baby. Studies have shown it helps shorten labour and reduces complications while giving birth, as well as reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.

If you were consistently active before pregnancy, you can usually continue those activities during pregnancy, as long as your GP or midwife gives you the go-ahead. Hormones like relaxin can make your ligaments and joints more lax, increasing the risk of injury, so do be cautious with high-impact activities and heavy lifting. 

Now is not the time to start a new full-on exercise routine though! Gentle, low-impact activities like walking, yoga, and swimming are great choices to keep you moving comfortably. While there's no magic number for your heart rate, a good guide is being able to hold a conversation – if you're too breathless to talk, you're likely pushing yourself too hard.

A great way to ease into a routine is to start gently and gradually build up to around 30 minutes of activity most days of the week, perhaps five times. 

Always listen to your body, and if you start to feel queasy or dehydrated, it's definitely time to stop and rest.

Things to be mindful of

Caffeine

Caffeine can be your best friend when you’re feeling tired, but it's a good idea to limit your intake when preparing for that second pregnancy.

Although tiredness is common during pregnancy, especially during the later months, make sure you don't have more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. Researchers have linked high caffeine intake to stillbirth and miscarriage. 

It’s easy to build up your caffeine intake, especially as it's not just in coffee and tea. Here are some examples:

  • A can of Coca-Cola has 40 mg of caffeine.
  • A 250ml energy drink has around 80 mg of caffeine.
  • A mug of filter coffee often has 140 mg of caffeine.
  • A standard bar of chocolate has 25 mg of caffeine.
No alcohol

It goes without saying that you shouldn't drink any alcohol during your second pregnancy. Multiple reviews and studies conclude that there is no known amount of alcohol that is proven to be safe during pregnancy, so the safest recommendation is total abstinence. The first trimester is particularly sensitive and drinking during this period has been linked to lower birthweight and increased risk of preterm birth compared to non-drinkers.

Smoking

Smoking is always harmful to your body, but it’s even worse during your second pregnancy. Unfortunately, smoking can have detrimental effects on your baby's health. You’re more likely to have:

  • Preterm labour - Preterm labour is labour that begins too early. Typically, this is before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labour can cause premature births, thus creating health problems for your baby.
  • Ectopic pregnancy - This is when a fertilised egg plants itself outside of your womb and begins to grow. It almost always ends in a pregnancy loss. Moreover, it can cause significant health complications for you.
  • Low birth weight - Smoking can cause a low birth weight of fewer than 5 pounds and 8 ounces.

Furthermore, smoking is also dangerous for your baby after birth. Secondhand smoke can cause asthma, ear infections, pneumonia and ear infections in your baby. 

healthy eating

FAQ

How long should I wait before the first and second pregnancy?

To really give your body the chance to recover and to help lower the chances of any pregnancy hiccups, experts often suggest waiting around 18 to 24 months between your pregnancies. This time allows your body to replenish its resources and get ready for the amazing journey of growing another baby!

How can I recognise when my body is ready for the second pregnancy?

Generally, it takes around 18 to 24 months for your body to fully recover. You might also find that after about a year your body has already made significant progress in its recovery. 

Also, just like before, living a healthy lifestyle – with nourishing food, regular movement and keeping stress levels down – will really support your body's recovery and can help it feel ready a bit sooner for this next wonderful journey.

What are the second pregnancy symptoms?

Your second pregnancy symptoms could include morning sickness, breast tenderness, mood swings, bathroom visits, food cravings, and fatigue. However, the symptoms shouldn’t be too different from your first pregnancy.


Your second pregnancy is unlikely to be any worse than your first pregnancy, so don’t worry too much. Although there may be some differences, the lessons of your first pregnancy and living a healthy lifestyle will guide you through another pregnancy.

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healthy pregnancy diet

Preparing for pre-pregnancy diet

What you eat, and how much, can affect your chances of falling pregnant. If you’re trying to conceive, it may be a good idea to plan your pre-pregnancy diet more carefully. Providing your body with the proper nutrients will not only make it easier for you to conceive but will also ensure the healthy development of your baby in the womb. The best foods to eat are the same as those recommended for general well-being, such as whole grains, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins. Studies have shown that eating a lot of sugar or saturated fats when you’re pregnant, for instance, can increase your child’s chances of becoming overweight or suffering from high blood pressure later on in life. Although healthy meals should provide you with most of the nutrients you need, you may have to boost your diet with a few supplements. Below is a short outline of some of the most important nutrients you’ll need in a pre-pregnancy diet, as well as a few tips regarding things to avoid in early pregnancy. Folic Acid Women who are trying to fall pregnant should take 400 to 600 mcg of folic acid every day. Folic acid is the manmade version of folate, which is a B vitamin found in small amounts in foods such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, beans, and chickpeas. Since there’s a good chance that your diet may not provide the amount needed, you should ensure that you have enough folic acid for pregnancy by taking supplements. If you’re a smoker or heavy drinker, or suffer from diabetes or epilepsy, you’ll need an even higher daily dose of folic acid. Folic acid is super important since it protects the baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Since most neural tube defects occur within the first 28 days after conception, it’s vital that you start taking folic acid before you fall pregnant. Many expecting mums don’t realise that they’re pregnant within the first few weeks, so they often start taking folic acid far too late. Pregnant women should continue to take folic acid until at least 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Iron Although a healthy diet will mostly provide you with enough iron, you need about twice the amount of iron that you do normally when you’re expecting. This is because the volume of blood in your body increases when you’re pregnant so that you can supply more oxygen to your baby. If you’re trying to conceive, you may also need to up your iron intake, especially if you suffer from heavy periods. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, which is when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to provide adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Expecting mums who suffer from anaemia in pregnancy are at risk of giving birth prematurely. Low iron in pregnancy can also lead to postpartum depression and a low birth weight for your baby. Pregnant mums need to take 27 mg of iron a day. Luckily, good nutrition can prevent anaemia during pregnancy. Adding iron-rich foods such as legumes, leafy greens, chicken livers, fish, and shellfish will ensure a sufficient supply of the mineral. Calcium Calcium is a key mineral for pregnancy. Apart from the fact that you need healthy bones to cope with pregnancy, the baby also requires calcium for the development of vital body parts such as its skeleton, heart, muscles, nerves, and hormones. If your body is lacking in calcium when you’re pregnant, the fetus may start drawing calcium from your bones, which may cause health problems for you later in life, such as osteoporosis. In addition, low calcium during pregnancy can also cause premature birth and low birth weight. It’s therefore vital that you increase your calcium intake before and during pregnancy. The amount of calcium a mum needs depends on her age. While teen mums should take at least 1,300 mg of calcium a day, mums older than 19 need around 1,000 mg. Although dairy products have been lauded as calcium-enriching foods, you should be aware of the fact that protein leaches minerals out of the body, including calcium. It is far better to get your calcium from other food sources such as cooked greens, broccoli, tofu, and sesame seeds. You can also take a supplement if you’re worried that your diet contains too little calcium. Fibres Eating fibre-rich foods is essential for general health and well-being. An abundance of research has shown that eating enough fibre prevents heart disease, bowel cancer, diabetes, stroke, and multiple other illnesses. Fibre is essential for a healthy digestive tract since it acts like a broom that sweeps the body clean of waste. It’s a well-known fact that a healthy body makes it easier for women to conceive. In addition, if you’re healthy, your baby stands a far better chance of developing a strong and healthy system. Apart from keeping your blood sugar balanced, fibre helps the body get rid of excess hormones, such as oestrogen. According to research, a diet rich in fibre can lower the risk of ovulatory infertility. If you’re pregnant, be sure to also add plenty of fibre to your diet. Doing so will help prevent constipation, which is a common complaint among expecting mums. Pregnant mums need to ingest about 28 g of fibre a day. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Proteins If you’re trying to fall pregnant, you want to reconsider your protein sources. According to research, your risk of ovulatory infertility may decrease by up to 50% if you replace some animal proteins, such as meat, fish, and eggs, with vegetable proteins in your diet. This is because insulin sensitivity is an important factor in ovulatory function and the sources of protein in a diet have been shown to influence insulin sensitivity. Good sources of vegetable proteins include beans, nuts, tofu, and seeds. If you can’t go without meat, opt for fish and leaner meats. When you eat red meat, be sure to trim your beef and lamb of fat to avoid unnecessary weight gain, which disrupts oestrogen levels. Also, some studies have shown that the chemicals contained in animal fats can make it more difficult to conceive. Although you should be careful about the sources of protein, it’s important that you consume enough protein when you’re pregnant. Pregnant women should eat about 70 to 100 g of protein daily. Protein is necessary for the proper development of your baby’s tissues and organs, such as the brain. Vitamin D Although this vitamin is often overlooked, it is actually very important for overall health. In addition, higher levels of vitamin D can be beneficial if you’re trying to conceive. Many people, however, don’t know whether their vitamin D levels are sufficient. Studies have shown that up to 20 to 52% of women of reproductive age don’t have adequate levels of vitamin D. Men also need vitamin D for healthy sperm function. If you’re trying to conceive, ensure that you take at least 10 mcg of vitamin D daily. Apart from increasing your chances of natural conception, higher vitamin D levels have also been linked to higher IVF pregnancy rates and live birth rates. You should continue to take vitamin D throughout your pregnancy. Vitamin D is essential for the proper absorption of calcium and phosphate in your body. Apart from keeping your body healthy, vitamin D will also aid the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, heart, and nervous system. Although you can get vitamin D from the sun, you may not always get enough exposure to sunlight to allow your body to produce the vitamin. Also, the skin of women of Asian, African, and Middle-Eastern descent needs longer exposure to the sun to synthesise vitamin D. Some foods, such as salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, canned tuna, mushrooms, and egg yolks are good sources of vitamin D. If you rarely eat these foods, it’s best to take a supplement. Omega-3 Fatty Acids The multiple health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well-documented. These good fats can lower inflammation in the body and improve your heart health. The good news is that several studies have shown a correlation between healthy fats and increased fertility. This is because Omega-3 fatty acids help with regulating reproductive hormones and also allow for improved blood flow to the reproductive organs. In addition, healthy fats may improve the quality of a woman’s eggs, which increases the chances of successful fertilisation. Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for the healthy development of the fetus. They are essential for the neurological and early visual development of a baby. Omega-3 oils also have positive effects on pregnancy since they have been shown to increase birth weight and prevent premature birth. They also decrease the risk of preeclampsia, which is a condition that can lead to serious complications for the mother, such as liver or renal failure. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re not a fan of fish, you can get your Omega-3 fats from flaxseed, linseed, almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Stop With Bad Habits It’s important that you learn which foods and substances to avoid in early pregnancy and also what to avoid during pregnancy in general. Firstly, stay away from sugary foods and drinks and also saturated fats. The intake of saturated fats has been linked to lower fertility rates, and so have diets that contain high levels of sugars. Here are a few other substances that you should avoid if you’re pregnant or trying to fall pregnant. Caffeine Although you don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee, it’s advisable to limit your caffeine intake if you’re trying to conceive. Some studies have concluded that women who drink lots of caffeine may take longer to conceive. A high caffeine intake may also slightly increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. You should remember that everything you ingest passes through the umbilical cord to your baby. In addition, research states that caffeine can lead to the constriction of blood vessels in the uterus and placenta, which can decrease the blood supply to the fetus. Caffeine may also cause rapid weight gain in babies after birth because of the disruption of fetal stress hormones. According to experts, expecting mums should limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg a day, which amounts to about one mug of filter coffee. Remember that apart from coffee, other drinks such as tea, coke, and energy drinks also contain caffeine. Smoking Smoking has a markedly negative effect on reproductive health. This is the case for both males and females. In females, smoking can cause delayed conception, since the introduction of the toxic substances in cigarettes to the ovaries can kill eggs. Since eggs can never be replaced, this damage is permanent and often leads to earlier menopause in female smokers. Smoking can also cause miscarriage. One of the common negative effects of smoking is a condition called ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus. Smoking also causes changes to occur in the lining of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage too. Even if you’re able to conceive and give birth, smoking will negatively affect the well-being of your baby. Apart from premature birth and lower birth weights, smoking can cause genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome, as well as a multitude of other defects, such as heart problems and skull deformation. Alcohol Although a glass of wine every now and then is OK, you should limit your alcohol intake if you’re trying to conceive. If you regularly drink more than seven drinks a week or more than three drinks per occasion, you are more likely to suffer from fertility problems. This is because alcohol negatively affects ovulation and cycle regulation. Drinking alcohol can also lead to an early miscarriage since it can prevent the proper implantation of the egg in the uterus. If you’re trying to conceive, encourage your partner to also drink less, or abstain from alcohol. In men, drinking can negatively affect sperm production. Once you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to completely quit drinking. Alcohol can cause multiple problems for a baby during pregnancy. Apart from affecting brain development, alcohol can cause growth and central nervous system problems. FAQs What Foods Are Best for Fertility? Opt for a healthy and nutritious diet if you’re trying to conceive. Ensure that your diet is varied and includes many different vegetables, fruits, and legumes, to ensure that you ingest all the nutrients your body needs. Also, remember to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Which Fruit Is Best for Fertility? Apart from being an excellent source of vitamin C, grapefruits and oranges are beneficial for egg and semen health. This is because they contain polyamine putrescine, which plays an important role in the regulation of human cells.

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Fertility Awareness - Cradle & Tonic

Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness methods have taken the fertility world by storm. From classes regarding how to implement the technique to books and phone applications to track your fertility status, there is a ton of buzz around this method of trying to conceive, or in some cases, prevent pregnancy, and rightfully so. Many women love fertility awareness because it's a natural way of controlling conception. On top of eliminating the need for hormonal birth control (for some women), fertility awareness allows us to be more in touch with our bodies, primarily our reproductive system. It's incredibly empowering, and we'll dig into it in this article.   What is Fertility Awareness? Fertility awareness encompasses a set of practices that naturally determine the infertile and fertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Fertility awareness methods are essentially free, and you can use them to prevent and achieve pregnancy. Fertility awareness is a fantastic way to monitor gynaecological health, as well. Fertility awareness is available to everyone, but it's not foolproof, and you must know how to identify the signs of fertility before you use it, especially if you're avoiding pregnancy at this time. Fertility awareness is a superweapon to add to your fertility arsenal for women who want to become pregnant. Also referred to as "natural family planning" and a "calendar method to avoid pregnancy", fertility awareness is often taught at GYN offices. A few methods fall under the umbrella of fertility awareness, and you can use them separately or combine them for more effective results. Let's get into it!   What are Fertility Awareness Methods? There are four recognized fertility awareness methods of conception. These include:   Standard days Cervical Mucus Basal Body Temperature Symptothermal Method   The Standard Days Method The Standard Days method follows the standard rule of which days women are typically most fertile during the menstrual cycle. For example, if your cycle usually falls between 26 and 32 days, then days 8 through 19 of your cycle are the most fertile. To prevent pregnancy, you'll want to avoid intercourse or use a barrier method these days. However, if you're trying to conceive, these days would be the best time to have intercourse, either every day or every other day. The Standard Days method can be a bit inaccurate on its own, seeing as cycles vary, but combined with other components, it's very effective.   The Cervical Mucus Method The Cervical Mucus method involves recognizing the changes in the fluid produced by the cervix to identify when you're most fertile. Before you ovulate, your body will have a noticeably more significant amount of cervical mucus, and the consistency changes to that of egg whites, thin, clear, and slippery. When you've finished ovulating, the amount of mucus will decrease, and it will become thicker to slow down any sperm entering the body naturally. When you notice the change in your cervical mucus, you'll want to employ a barrier method or have sex more often, depending on your desired results. Checking your mucus is easier than you might think, and often, you can find the results right on your toilet paper! If you're not coming across enough mucus to determine if you're fertile or not, you can use your finger too; ensure that your hands are clean.   The Basal Body Temperature Method Your basal body temperature, or your BBT, is the temperature of your body when it's entirely at rest. In most women, BBT rises slightly during ovulation, and it will remain high throughout the end of the menstrual cycle. Now, your most fertile days come before this increase in body temperature, so tracking it consistently for more accurate predictions is essential. To correctly take your BBT, you'll want to do it in bed before you've gotten up to take part in your daily activities. Record this temperature daily for the best results. To prevent or become pregnant, this method is not best when used on its own, but you can couple it with other methods.   The Symptothermal Method The symptothermal method combines the BBT (or natural birth control temperature) and cervical mucus methods and includes an electric hormonal fertility monitor. This monitor can be purchased online and detects hormones in the urine on fertile days. This is a fantastic addition to your fertility awareness journey, and you can use the standard days' method to double-check your fertile time. Again, these methods alone aren't so effective, but they become a powerful way to predict ovulation and times of fertility when combined.   How Does the Fertility Awareness Method Work? This natural method of family planning typically utilizes a tracker or fertility awareness method app that allows you to see your cycle in the form of a pattern. Also, considering a calendar method of family planning, you should practice fertility awareness for a few months before removing a barrier method if trying to prevent pregnancy. If you want to become pregnant, don't get frustrated when your first month goes by without a confirmed pregnancy. It takes time to establish how your cycle works, and patience is the key here. Fertility awareness methods work the best when they work together, and using only one will leave you questioning whether or not you're genuinely fertile at a particular time. When you use these methods together, you always have information to fall back on. Our bodies are in a constant state of change, so natural family planning means taking every piece of information given to us, from temperature spikes to mucus.   How Effective are They? Women everywhere consistently question the fertility awareness method effectiveness, and honestly, we can't blame you! We've been so conditioned to think we can't trust our bodies that we automatically believe relying on something outside of us is the answer to preventing or becoming pregnant. While this assumption is valid sometimes, it's not always the case. The issue with the effectiveness of FAMs, just as with standard birth control, is that you've got to use them ideally to prevent pregnancy. Planned Parenthood reports that fertility awareness methods are around 76% to 88% effective, meaning that 12 to 14 couples that use FAMs will become pregnant each year. However, as we've already stated, their effectiveness increases when these methods are combined. There's no denying that fertility awareness methods can be challenging to use, but this is why assistance is available.   Advantages and Disadvantages There are plenty of pros and cons surrounding the topic of fertility awareness methods as a form of birth control or predicting fertility. Most agree that these methods are better when used to become pregnant rather than preventing pregnancy. Regardless of what you'd like to use FAMs for, it's good to explore the advantages and disadvantages, so you can get a better idea of where you stand on the topic.   Advantages There are a few undeniable advantages of fertility awareness methods, one of them being that they're free. All you need is a good thermometer, a way to track your cycle (trackers are available in PDF print files around the internet, and phone applications do the same), and your body. Fertility awareness methods are a fantastic way to learn about your body and fertility, which are powerful sexual health tools. Also, fertility awareness methods don't have any unwanted side effects, which tend to come with traditional birth control methods. Once you get used to employing these methods, they can be a good predictor of when you're fertile.   Disadvantages FAMs have their disadvantages too, and one that we cannot ignore is the high failure rates when used incorrectly and inconsistently. Also, you might find that you have fewer days considered "safe" to have intercourse each month, especially in the beginning, and you'll use a barrier method anyway. Training to use FAMs is essential, and while there are tools available on the internet and locally, not all women have access to the proper training required. Also, illness, breastfeeding, and other fertility factors may interfere with results. Overall, if you're considering FAMs, you'll want to discuss them with your doctor. They will give you access to the information you need and let you know if this is a path you could take based on your medical history.   Frequently Asked Questions As the demand for hormone-free birth control skyrockets, more women than ever have expressed an interest in fertility awareness methods. Here are some FAQs!   Why is fertility awareness necessary? Even when using traditional birth control methods, such as the pill or condoms, knowing when you're fertile can help you prevent pregnancy if your primary plan fails. Also, understanding when your body is fertile is a fantastic way to speed along the conception process. It doesn't have to be your preferred method of family planning, but FAMs help us take control over our reproductive health.   How can I make FAMs more effective? You can make FAMs more effective by using all methods at once, from standard days to BBT. If you're using natural family planning to prevent pregnancy, give yourself a couple of months to familiarize yourself with it, and use a barrier method in the meantime, or always, if that makes you more comfortable. Consistency and knowledge are necessary when it comes to fertility awareness methods. Talking to your doctor is a great way to gain the expertise required to use FAMs to enhance your reproductive journey, no matter what that might be.

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How smoking affects fertility - Cradle & Tonic

How smoking affects fertility

The adverse effects of smoking on health are well-known. Most people are aware of the fact that smoking can cause cancer, lung diseases, heart problems, diabetes, and multiple other illnesses. The effects of smoking on fertility and the health of babies, however, are not always fully understood. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and carbon monoxide, negatively affect the whole body, and this includes the reproductive system. Although some people may think that smoking only has an impact on female fertility, male fertility is affected just as much. If you’re smoking while trying to conceive, remember that there’s a direct correlation between the risk of infertility and the number of cigarettes you smoke a day. Here’s some more information on smoking and pregnancy.   Effects of Smoking on Male Fertility While roughly 50% of infertility cases are due to female fertility problems, male fertility issues account for approximately 30% of cases. In the other 20% of cases, a combination of male and female factors makes it difficult for a couple to conceive. So, how does smoking affect fertility in males? Well, firstly, smoking can cause erectile dysfunction in men, which obviously makes falling pregnant more challenging. According to an article in the Journal of Andrology, there is a significant correlation between the number of cigarettes a man smokes a day and the risk of erectile dysfunction. Men who, for instance, smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day are far more at risk than those who smoke under 10 cigarettes. In addition, the heavy metals in cigarettes, such as cadmium and lead, have been shown to adversely affect semen quality and cause DNA damage. There are multiple other ways of how smoking affects sperm. Apart from lowering the sperm count, smoking also affects the sperm’s normal swimming patterns. What's more, smoking decreases the sperm’s ability to fertilize eggs. Effects of Smoking on Female Fertility Smoking also affects female fertility in multiple ways. Apart from making it more difficult to fall pregnant, smoking can cause complications during pregnancy. Smoking introduces toxic substances to a woman’s ovaries, which can kill eggs. Since eggs can’t be regenerated, women who smoke tend to enter menopause a few years earlier than their non-smoking counterparts. Women who have fewer eggs obviously have a reduced chance of falling pregnant. However, even if the toxins in cigarettes don’t kill eggs, they diminish their quality, which increases the risk that fertilised eggs will develop abnormally. The risk of miscarriage also increases, since apart from damaging eggs, smoking can also cause changes in the uterine lining. One of the most concerning possible effects of smoking is a complication known as ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg lies outside of the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes. If the egg keeps growing in the fallopian tubes, for instance, the tubes could burst. Regardless of where the egg implants outside of the uterus, the pregnancy can’t continue. It’s important to note that smoking also reduces the success rate of fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). According to studies, women who smoke are 50% less likely to become pregnant and stay pregnant during their treatment cycle than non-smokers. Can Smoking Continue To Affect My Baby? Even if smokers manage to fall pregnant and deliver their babies, the unfortunate truth is that babies can also be negatively affected after birth. Since smoking damages the genetic material in eggs and sperm, the babies of smokers have a bigger chance of suffering from defects. Apart from heart and cardiovascular defects, babies of smokers may suffer from facial deformations, gastrointestinal defects, limb defects, skull deformation, and many other conditions. Women who smoke are also more likely to give birth to babies with genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Even when smokers give birth to babies who don’t suffer from any serious defects, they often have lower birth weights or may arrive prematurely. In addition, babies of smokers are more at risk of developing medical problems later on in life. Possible health issues include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. The Benefits of Stopping Smoking If you’re a smoker, don’t despair. There is good news. If you stop smoking, you can drastically improve your chances of falling pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby. Although some of the damage from smoking, such as eggs that have died, can’t be undone, the good news is that a lot of the damage can actually be reversed. The longer you abstain from smoking, the lower the risk of pregnancy complications. Since sperm takes about three months to mature, males should try to quit at least three months before they try to make a baby. Doing so will ensure that their sperm is healthier and the chances of fertilising an egg will be much greater. When a woman quits, the lining of her womb improves, which increases her chances of falling pregnant. Stopping smoking also reduces the risk of having a miscarriage, giving birth prematurely, or giving birth to a baby with defects. Quitting will also be very beneficial to those who are going through fertility treatments. FAQs Could Second-Hand Smoke Influence My Chances of Conceiving? If you’re wondering whether your husband smoking while trying to conceive is an issue, the answer is yes. Even if you don’t smoke, breathing in the second-hand smoke of your partner could pose similar risks to if you inhaled your own cigarette smoke. Can I Cut Down Instead of Stopping? Although smoking less is beneficial, you should understand that smoking is bad for fertility and pregnancy, even if you only smoke a few cigarettes a day. Unfortunately, smoking only one to five cigarettes a day increases the risk for ectopic pregnancy and you are still at risk of giving birth prematurely. Low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes don’t really help. They are still very harmful to a baby. Can I Smoke E-Cigarettes? Since e-cigarettes don't burn tobacco, they impart less harmful toxins than cigarettes do. They also don't produce carbon monoxide. For these reasons, they are considered safer. However, the studies on e-cigarettes are not conclusive. You and your baby will be healthier if you completely quit.  

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