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F O R P A T I E N T S – health tips
While you are attempting pregnancy, here are some tips to maximize your health and that of your baby.
- Vitamins – Prescription prenatal vitamins are a good idea, and the extra folic acid has been shown to diminish the incidence of spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spine that can affect the nerves of the spinal cord.
- Alcohol – Since you could be pregnant in the second half of each menstrual cycle, we recommend no alcohol or recreational drugs during this time.
- Caffeine – We recommend no more than two cups of coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.
- Smoking – It is important not to smoke during pregnancy or during the time you are trying to conceive. It has been shown that smoking can cause a reduced chance of pregnancy and an increased chance of miscarriage, growth retardation and prematurity. If you are a smoker, we strongly advise you to take this opportunity to quit smoking, for your health and for the health and well-being of your baby. The Colorado tobacco settlement provides you with 6 free telephone counseling sessions. Call the Colorado Quitline at 1-800-639-Quit.
- Headaches – Headaches are common occurrences and may be treated with 1-2 Tylenol every 3-4 hours. If your headaches are one sided, are associated with blurred vision, or are not relieved by Tylenol; please call the office immediately.
- Coughs and Colds – If you have cold symptoms, take Tylenol as outlined for headaches. If your temperature is over 100 degrees F, please call the office. You may use Sudafed (plain) for a stuffy nose and Robitussen (plain) for coughs.
- Treatment – Accurate timing of intercourse and inseminations is important to treatment success. This part of your treatment is individualized and will be reviewed with you at the time of you office visits. Please call if there is any confusion, or if you have questions about this important part of your treatment.
- Emotional Stress – During this period of intense focus on conception, you may face some difficult emotional times. Talking with a counselor can help tremendously. Below is a name of a counselor who we recommend.
- Herbs – Avoid all herbs, including herbal teas.
- Raw foods – Avoid raw fish, meat and eggs. Yes, this includes sushi and eggnog.
- Fish – According to the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant and lactating women should limit consumption of fish to 12 ounces (two servings) per week. Since you may be pregnant several weeks before a positive pregnancy test is achieved, plan to limit your fish intake also. Albacore "white" tuna has the greatest mercury content and should be limited to 6 oz per week. Light canned tuna is a better alternative because it contains 1/3 less mercury than albacore tuna. Avoid other high mercury content fish such as: shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tile fish. Low mercury choices include shrimp, salmon, Pollock and cat fish.
- Acupuncture – It is safe to utilize acupuncture in conjunction with infertility treatments. Many women report it is helpful with stress reduction. Avoid any suggested herbal remedies, however.
- Keep us informed – If the medical condition of either you or your husband changes, please let us know. It is especially important to inform us of any new medications that you or your husband are given.
Men – A special message
Please avoid hot tubs, saunas, or anything that is likely to raise the temperature of the testicles. Commercial lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly and Astroglide, may have spermicidal properties and are to be avoided. If a lubricant is needed, mineral oil or egg whites are acceptable. Herbal supplements, metabolism boosters and other homeopathic remedies should also be avoided. Although they are "natural", they can still affect sperm counts. Smoking has also been shown to affect male fertility, so now is a very good time to quit. (Colorado Quitline: 1-800-639-7848).
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