Got a question? Our expert is here to help.
How can I boost my husband’s sperm count if we’re trying for a baby?
Sperm production takes about three months, so whatever lifestyle changes your husband does now will result in healthier sperm three months later.
Dietary and lifestyle changes can boost sperm quantity and quality. Alcohol affects testosterone and excessive intake affects sperm production, so limit to one glass a day.
Smoking affects sperm by reducing the quantity, quality and motility of the sperm.
The toxins from smoking not only affect the lungs, but also harm the sperm.
Avoid places like saunas or soaking in a hot bath as heat affects sperm production. Wear boxers instead of briefs – sperm production works best when the testicles are kept cool.
It’s also good for both his health and his sperm when his diet is low in fat and high in protein. Eggs and fatty fish are notable protein sources that help. Load up on vegetables and whole grains, as well.
There are supplements that can boost sperm quality. Take one that includes antioxidants such as L-carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine, zinc and vitamins A, B12, C and E.
What happens during an emergency C-section?
You may have been trying for a normal vaginal delivery, but an emergency C-section is necessary when the doctor deems that it is unsafe to continue.
Even if your doctor is very experienced, sometimes there are situations that cannot be predicted before the start of labour.
Blood flow to the baby is compromised and it is crucial to deliver immediately.
These could be because of a prolapsed umbilical cord (the umbilical cord drops through the opening of the uterus into the vagina), excessive and sudden maternal bleeding, placenta abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall), uterine rupture (a previous C-section scar gives way) or that Baby’s heartbeat is showing signs of distress.
Other reasons could be the labour is not progressing or Baby is lying sideways across your tummy, rather than in a head-down position for a normal vaginal delivery.
During an emergency C-section, the aim is to deliver your baby quickly.
Hence, things may happen very fast and at times it may be overwhelming for the labouring mother.
If you already had an epidural, the anaesthetist may have time to give you an extra dose of the medicine to numb you further. If there is not enough time to give spinal anaesthesia, a general anaesthetic will be given once you arrive in the operating theatre.
The onset of labour and how it will progress are unpredictable, so sometimes it may not go according to schedule or plan. Do keep an open mind about delivery because the first priority is to ensure the safety of mother and baby at all times.
