CosBeauty Magazine #81

Feature
Get Fertility Fit!
Ready to have a baby? These expert tips may
help improve your chances of conception.
Becoming pregnant and having
a baby is a miracle; a precious
gift that you’ll love and
treasure above all. For many though,
conceiving isn’t as easy as they would
like it to be.
In fact, one in six Australian
couples of childbearing age will
be faced with fertility challenges,
according to leading fertility specialist
and gynaecologist Dr Raewyn Teirney,
with males and females almost equally
affected by fertility issues.
‘These issues are many and varied,
including a host of medical issues,
and will be unique to each couple.
However, there are things you can
do that may improve your chances of
conceiving naturally,’ she explained.
1. Visit your GP
for a check-up
‘It’s a good idea to have an
extended talk with your GP
before you begin trying for a baby,’
advises Dr Teirney. ‘Ask for a long
appointment time and request
to have some preliminary checks
performed to rule out any existing
medical conditions that could
potentially complicate matters.’
2. Maintain a
healthy weight
‘Research shows it is much harder
to conceive when either the
man or woman has a Body Mass
Index (BMI) greater than 25, and
significantly more so when greater
than 30,’ she notes.
3. Enjoy a Well
Balanced,
Healthy Diet
‘Not only will this help you
maintain the healthy weight
that’s ideal to help you conceive
naturally, it will ensure you are
eating the right combination of
vitamins and minerals required
for conception and gestation,’
says Dr Teirney.
4. Enjoy Regular
Exercise
Again, this will keep your weight in
check, but it will also balance your
mood and stress levels while you’re
on your conception journey. ‘This
is extremely important, as this time
can be fraught with emotion if it’s
not happening as quickly as you’d
hoped,’ advises Dr Teirney.
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