Giving up alcohol and caffeine ‘as good as IVF’

By Lucy Halfhead  on Friday 7 August 2009

• Print
• Share
• Comment

Women wanting to become pregnant are as likely to succeed by giving up alcohol and caffeine than by attending a fertility clinic, a nutrition specialist claims.

Dr Emma Derbyshire said that 32 per cent of those having trouble conceiving became pregnant by giving up stimulants compared to 33 per cent after IVF treatment.

And she revealed that quitting smoking is as important as a healthy diet in improving a woman's fertility. Previous studies have shown that smoking can delay a woman's chances of getting pregnant by two months.

Dr Derbyshire, of Manchester Metropolitan University, said couples should tackle their unhealthy lifestyles first before choosing expensive fertility treatment.

‘Women wanting to get pregnant stand nearly the same chance of conceiving if they cut out alcohol and caffeine as if they attend an IVF clinic for fertility treatment,' she said.

Dr Derbyshire said the odds of conceiving fall from 60 per cent in women who have one to five alcoholic drinks a week to 30 per cent for those consuming more than ten.

And she warned caffeine may also reduce a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, saying no more than 300mg - or three cups of coffee or tea - should be consumed in a day.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

Friday 7 August 2009

Have your say ...

↓   ↓

Name

↓   ↓

E-Mail

↓   ↓

Your comments

↓   ↓

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited owner of marieclaire.co.uk will collect your personal information solely to process your request.

Post

• Next Article

  

  British lazier than ever Read more...

• Last Article

  

  Women feel guilt after shopping sprees Read more...