Corona Babies. This is the fertility buzzword emerging from our current chaotic situation, as couples in lockdown use this time to connect with each other and look towards their future.
However, amongst the anxiety with IVF procedures being paused – and then resumed – during the COVID-19 lockdowns, many couples are questioning if it’s a safe time to try for a baby at all. The answer is a resounding ‘yes’, says leading fertility specialist Dr Raewyn Teirney.
Non-urgent elective surgery was stopped – not fertility treatment
‘The reason the Australian Government paused IVF procedures was simply to relieve the strain on the health care system at this time,’ she explains.
‘However, after much campaigning from the medical community, on Tuesday April 21st, the government reversed this decision and deemed IVF procedures essential services. So, we have the go-ahead to continue helping couples start or extend their family, be that with simple fertility tracking methods, intrauterine insemination or complete IVF procedures.’
Keep trying for your Corona Babies
While the confusion around COVD-19 is scary to many of us, there is no reason – or viable evidence – to suggest it can harm an unborn baby or indeed affect your chances of conceiving naturally.
‘At present, we have seen no evidence that a foetus is likely to be exposed to COVID-19 in pregnancy if the mother contracts the virus,’ says Dr Raewyn. ‘We believe if transmission occurs, it is likely to be as a newborn, not during pregnancy.’
Learn more by reading our FAQs on pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19.
Fertility treatments are widely available again
As of April 22, all fertility treatments, including IVF, are once again available to patients nationwide.
Dr Raewyn reveals that some couples may not need to go down the path of a full IVF procedure, explaining there are many other options available.
‘We have a lot of fertility treatments in our toolbox,’ she explains. Just as every person is unique, each couple’s conception journey will be too, so we can cater treatment to suit. For instance, some may require the administering of ovulation stimulating drugs.
‘We can also perform intrauterine insemination. This is where we track a woman’s menstrual cycle and inseminate sperm into the uterus when she is at her most fertile.’
And for those couples who don’t require fertility treatment, Dr Raewyn suggests fertility tracking using a four-step kit created by fertility specialists, which can best track your most fertile days and offer medical-based advice for your best possible chances of natural conception.
Some other ways to improve your pregnancy chances:
Lower your stress levels
Easier said than done, we know, especially now. However, high stress levels can impact your chances of conceiving.
A recent study by Boston University has found that high stress levels in women may be linked to lower rates of conception.
Meditation, exercise, getting plenty of rest … de-stressing techniques such as these can help improve your chances of conceiving during this time.
Have your flu shot
‘While we are still waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to remember flu season is coming and there are other flu strains which may cause you to become ill,’ says Dr Raewyn.
‘Women should have the flu shot and be sure they are taking certain vitamins and nutrients to boost their immunity, especially both Vitamin C and Zinc. Both Vitamin C and Zinc are immune enhancing nutrients and increasing your intake may help to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections common in winter. These are safe in pregnancy, but women should speak with their obstetrician first.
‘If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant having the flu shot is one step which would help boost your immunity. Not only will it protect you from the flu but also your baby. They are safe for both mother and baby, plus they are free.’
Follow a healthy diet
Eating a well-balanced diet while trying to fall pregnant is important for both men and women, stresses Dr Raewyn.
‘Eating well, maintaining your weight and regular exercise are important to keep you in shape, keep your body functioning at an optimal level and helps to manage your mood and stress levels. Eating a well-balanced and clean diet will help to ensure that you are consuming the right blend of nutrients, vitamins and mineral.’
Take an antenatal vitamin
Both the World Health Organization (WHO)and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) recommend all women thinking about or trying to conceive should take a vitamin supplement containing folic acid and iodine.
The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends taking a daily pregnancy vitamin that includes 500 mcg of folic acid and 150 mcg of iodine. For men, studies have emphasised the importance of antioxidants to maintain healthy sperm and reproductive health.
Track your cycle
According to Dr Raewyn, ‘accurate techniques to track your most fertile window include monitoring basal body temperature, measuring changes in luteinising hormone levels in urine, and observing for changes in cervical secretions.’
‘These techniques can be used to take the guess work out of tracking your ovulation cycle, so you are aware of when you are most likely to conceive. Couples who have a better understanding of their fertility window have a better chance of falling pregnant.’
Have regular sexual intercourse
It is recommended that couples have sexual intercourse two to three times per week. Frequent ejaculation also helps to maintain sperm health. The idea is that if sperm is kept waiting it is susceptible to free radical damage, but if it’s being made fresh frequently, it is vital and healthy.
To assist with sperm health and function, men can improve their antioxidant intake by eating a diet containing leafy green veggies, tomatoes, fish, nuts and consider a daily supplement of antioxidants. These include zinc, selenium, lycopene, folic acid, garlic, and Vitamins C, E, and D.
Check any medication you might be taking
The only drugs you should be talking are those prescribed for you by your doctor or approved over the counter medications as indicated by your doctor. Discuss these with your doctor and let him know you are trying to have a baby, in case there may be any contraindications to a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, mention any herbal remedies you use as some can interact or effect the action of other medications.
‘Recreational and/or illicit drugs are toxic to both male and female reproductive organs, affecting both proper sperm and egg development and production,’ says Dr Raewyn. ‘They are also harmful to a developing baby and should be avoided at all costs.’
Adopt healthy lifestyle choices
‘Factors such as smoking cessation, limited alcohol consumption and adequate rest improve your reproductive health and are essential during pregnancy and especially for general health in our current climate,’ says Dr Raewyn.
‘It is recommended that woman neither smoke nor drink alcohol during pregnancy. For men, minimising alcohol consumption when trying to conceive also optimises fertility. Smoking has been shown to have a negative effect on reproduction by compromising egg and sperm quality. Alcohol also causes direct damage to egg and sperm quality and can harm the foetus during pregnancy.’
About Dr Raewyn Teirney
Dr Raewyn is one of the world’s leading fertility specialists and gynaecologists, responsible for helping over 4,000 couples achieve their dreams of becoming a family.
She currently works as a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) fertility sub-specialist at The Royal Hospital for Women, and in private practice with IVF Australia, at Bondi Junction, Alexandria and St George Private Hospital, Kogarah.
She is a member of the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA), and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Endocrinology (ESHRE) and is a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) Training Supervisor for the next generation of fertility specialists.
