Labor Day is a holiday established to honor workers, but like millions of American mothers, all I can think of on Labor Day is the labor I went through to deliver my children.  Millions of other women today aspire to enter the ranks of mother-laborers.  Are there any proven tips to help conception along?

First, if you or your partner smoke, stop.  Women smokers are more than 3 times as likely as non-smokers to take more than a year to get pregnant.  Also in the common sense department: women trying to conceive should not drink alcohol; men should limit alcohol to less than 2 drinks per day.  And all women trying to get pregnant should take folic acid, 400 mcg per day, to prevent certain birth defects.

Next, consult your physician for a preconception visit and specific advice.  This is a good time to address any concerns you have, review family and past medical history, and review any medicines you or your partner are taking.

Practicing stress management sounds like an easy and obvious tip, but when the process of making a baby goes slowly, it can be frustrating and stressful. While stress itself does not cause infertility, it can interfere with conception.  And when the baby is born, those stress management techniques can come in very handy.

For more information, click here.

Created: 9/3/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.