Especially during pregnancy, experiencing dental issues can be quite challenging. It’s probably not hard to imagine how difficult it can be to deal with a decayed tooth that causes pain during pregnancy. For this reason, paying attention to your dental health before getting pregnant is essential. Getting more detailed information about your dental health before pregnancy will guide you on what you need to do.

Why Is Dental Health Important Before Pregnancy?

The hormone levels that increase with pregnancy have some effects on your teeth as well. Because of that, you must form a routine before pregnancy. What are these effects? Let’s explore.

• The increasing hormone levels can increase inflammation in the gums.
• Neglecting regular cleaning of dental plaques, along with inflammation in the gums, can cause tumour formation in the gums. 
• Dental treatments that are not done before pregnancy can create the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.
• During the early stages of pregnancy, vomiting episodes and increased acid levels in the mouth can lead to dental problems. Especially before pregnancy with untreated dental issues, the problems increase. Because of these, it is of importance to have an oral care routine before pregnancy.
• Teeth and gums that are not regularly taken care of can turn your pregnancy into a nightmare. Bleeding in gums may increase. Because of that pre-pregnancy dental care is a pretty important issue.
• You will have a different diet during your pregnancy and will be experiencing eating little but more often which will cause you to be more mindful of your dental health. Not taking care of the already existing problems before your pregnancy will further increase the problems.

Dental Treatment Before Pregnancy

If you are planning your pregnancy it is pretty important to get a dental checkup. The decay in your teeth, gum problems, and issues in wisdom teeth should be taken care of before pregnancy. Dental plaques especially should be cleaned regularly.

One of the most important hormones during pregnancy, “progesterone,” will increase even more during this period. This will lead to increased plaque formation on the teeth. Therefore, dental treatment before pregnancy and regular plaque cleaning will become even more important. A decayed tooth causing pain or a problematic gum that constantly bleeds can be quite irritating. Not taking care of these issues beforehand can cause significant problems during your pregnancy.

What Will Your Dentist Do in Pre-Pregnancy Dental Care?

Firstly, you should know the benefits of consulting a field expert. In this sense, it would be sensible to first do some research and then find a suitable dentist for you. Let’s explore what steps your doctor will take.

• Initially, to identify your tooth roots and cavities, your dentist will request a detailed mouth X-ray from you.
• After the X-ray, your doctor will identify and treat any cavities present. They will also identify cavities that extend to the root canal and perform root canal treatment if necessary.
• It would also be sensible to replace previously performed root canal treatments and worn-out fillings. In this respect, if it’s considered suitable to replace the worn-out fillings with new ones, they will also be renewed.
• Any existing bridges in the mouth will be examined for any hygiene-affecting issues. Your doctor may deem it appropriate to replace them if they find that your bridges are worn out.
• Your doctor will apply a treatment to address any diseases and issues in the gums.
• Additionally, the increased hormones during pregnancy will double the existing plaque problem. Therefore, your doctor will also clean your plaques.
• Lastly, it would be beneficial to get oral care recommendations to follow during your pregnancy from your dentist.

What Problems Can Untreated Dental Treatments Before Pregnancy Lead To?

Firstly, you should know that sayings like, “Gain a child, lose a tooth,” which we hear from our mothers and elders, are not accurate. This is because the calcium needed for your baby is first provided by what you consume and then from your bones. So, there is no connection between your teeth and your baby’s calcium needs. Your dental health is important for you. You need to take good care of your teeth for your own health first. Let’s check what kind of problems untreated dental issues before pregnancy can lead to.

• Researchers have found that the “p.gingivalis” bacteria, especially present in saliva and causing infections can reduce the chances of pregnancy. 
• The presence of this bacteria reduces the likelihood of getting pregnant by three times. Therefore, it is crucial to have your dental issues taken care of before pregnancy.
• Not getting dental treatments done before pregnancy can lead to issues like premature birth and low birth weight in the baby.
• Additionally, gum problems also increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.

The main cause of these factors we’ve listed is known to be gum problems. It’s commonly believed that fluids released from gum problems can trigger premature birth. Of course, it should not be forgotten that more research is needed on this matter.

What Should You Do If You Notice Dental Problems After Getting Pregnant?

Not all pregnancies are necessarily planned. If you didn’t realise you were pregnant and discovered dental issues during this period, it’s advisable to get your treatment done between the 3rd and 6th months of your pregnancy. This is because the first three months of pregnancy are crucial for the baby’s initial development and organ formation. Taking medications or undergoing dental cleaning during this period might not be a healthy option for the baby. However, if you encounter a challenging situation, make sure to consult with your obstetrician before seeing your dentist.

In short, oral care can lead to various issues ranging from conception to the baby’s weight, premature birth, and miscarriage. All these factors are highly important. If you are planning a pregnancy, addressing existing dental and gum problems from the start would be sensible. This is because the hormones released during pregnancy can cause gum sensitivity.

The altered oral structure during pregnancy, combined with previously untreated dental issues, can further complicate matters for you. Dental pain and gum problems can cause significant discomfort even in non-pregnant individuals, let alone a pregnant person. To ensure a comfortable pregnancy, it would be wise to address any dental issues before this period. 

Get a general health check-up.

When deciding to have a baby, the first step is to undergo a comprehensive health check-up. In addition to a physical examination, a general health screening, including blood and urine tests, can help identify any potential health issues before getting pregnant. This allows for the early detection of any underlying problems that may arise during pregnancy, allowing you to take preventive measures against certain issues that may arise during such a critical period as pregnancy (such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid issues, iron deficiency, etc.). Starting treatment for any underlying conditions and allowing the body to recover before getting pregnant can help prevent health problems during pregnancy.

Have a gynaecological examination.

Just as important as a general health screening is for the mother-to-be to have a gynaecological examination before conception. Deciding to have a baby may not always result in pregnancy right away. Sometimes, couples may try for months without success. Often, reproductive system-related issues are among the reasons underlying this difficulty. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, which require long-term treatment and affect the mother-to-be, can make it difficult to conceive and may complicate ongoing pregnancies. Therefore, a gynaecological examination should not be skipped to ensure that the reproductive organs are functioning properly.

Stop hormonal contraception methods.

When you’re ready to have a child and your necessary health checks show no issues, it’s appropriate to discontinue your birth control method. However, some contraceptive methods may not lose their effectiveness immediately after being discontinued. Especially hormonal methods may retain their effects for some time after stopping the medication. Additionally, it may take some time for the body to regain its previous fertility. If pregnancy is planned, this should be taken into account when making decisions.

Review your dietary habits.

Everything you eat during pregnancy not only nourishes you but also feeds the baby growing inside you. Your baby gets all the nutrients it needs from you. Therefore, any incorrect eating habits should be corrected before conception. A healthy and balanced eating routine should be established.

Avoid excessive consumption of fatty, sugary, additive-containing, packaged, and canned foods, and make sure to consume fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, and dairy products daily.

Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.

The use of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy can adversely affect the baby’s development. Continued use of such harmful substances, especially in small amounts, during pregnancy can lead to various health problems for both pregnant women and their babies. Conditions such as low birth weight, developmental delay in babies, birth defects, premature birth, and even fetal death may occur. Therefore, these types of habits must be completely abandoned before pregnancy.

Start taking folic acid supplements.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers need to take certain vitamin supplements. Folic acid is the most important of these supplements. The first three months of pregnancy, when the basic foundations of the baby’s organs are laid, are a crucial time in this regard. However, folic acid supplementation should start at least 3 months before pregnancy. Neural tube defects, which directly affect the nervous system, are mainly caused by a deficiency of folic acid. To prevent this condition, expectant mothers should take a daily 400 mcg folic acid supplement starting before pregnancy.

Lose excess weight.

One of the answers to what to pay attention to before becoming pregnant is weight control. Starting pregnancy with excess weight can trigger systemic diseases, such as diabetes, change the shape of childbirth, and lead to delayed recovery after childbirth. If you are considering pregnancy, the ideal time to shape your lifestyle in this direction and start losing excess weight is before pregnancy. Otherwise, trying to lose weight during pregnancy can be risky for both the mother and the baby.

Avoid stress.

Stress plays a significant role not only in the development and progression of many diseases but also in trying to get pregnant. The stress factor is an effect that makes it difficult to conceive. If you are planning to have a baby, removing stress from your life will be beneficial.

Take vitamin supplements if necessary.

Even if your blood values are within normal limits before pregnancy, the need for vitamin and mineral supplementation during pregnancy will increase rapidly, so balanced and adequate nutrition alone may not be enough. Starting with a general multivitamin supplement before conception can help meet the needs of both the baby and the mother. This way, starting before pregnancy, the mother’s body will increase its resistance and strengthen its immunity.

Follow your vaccination schedule.

Some infections and contagious diseases caught during pregnancy pose a vital risk to the baby. The most basic way to protect against these diseases and infections is through vaccination. However, vaccination against diseases such as measles and chickenpox, which provide protection against contagious diseases and contain inactive viruses, especially during pregnancy, is not safe for the baby. Therefore, before planning pregnancy, necessary vaccinations against possible infections should be completed before becoming pregnant.

Be cautious about radiation and medication use.

When trying to conceive, one should be much more cautious about chemical substances in everyday life. Pregnant women should not be exposed to radiation and should not use prescription drugs due to the negative effects they may have on fetal development. Since it may not be possible to know the exact moment of conception, precautions should be taken, radiation should be avoided, and drugs that are not safe to use during pregnancy should not be used without consulting a doctor.

Please note that what needs to be considered before pregnancy generally varies from person to person. In addition to the listed suggestions, the expectant mother should strive to get regular and quality sleep and, if possible, engage in light exercise to make her muscles more resilient to pregnancy.

For men, a simple test called a sperm analysis can be conducted. With this test, the volume and concentration of sperm in a millilitre, as well as the morphology or shape of the sperm, can be examined. Abnormal-shaped sperm cells are always present, but they should account for less than 40%. Additionally, at least 60% of the sperm should show progressive movement, and there should be a minimum of 20 million sperm per millilitre. The volume of sperm should typically range between 2-5 millilitres. However, having a slightly lower sperm count does not mean someone cannot become a father. They still have a chance; it just may take a bit longer compared to others. Moreover, nowadays, sperm abnormalities can be effectively treated through various methods such as insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

For women, a more detailed examination is required. One of these is checking whether the fallopian tubes are open. It is recommended that this test be done for couples who have not achieved pregnancy despite attempting for a year. For women under 35 years old, if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of trying, the openness of the fallopian tubes should be examined. This timeframe can be slightly shorter for women over 35. Another test that should be performed for women is to investigate whether there is ovulation and whether the hormone levels are balanced. There are two simple blood tests for this purpose. The first one measures the hormones responsible for ovulation and ovarian function on the third day of the menstrual cycle. The other test, done on the 21st day of the cycle, checks for ovulation. These tests can help determine if a woman has hormonal imbalances or ovulation issues.

Is the likelihood of infertility higher in women with irregular periods?

Yes, compared to women with regular periods, the likelihood is higher. A woman typically menstruates every 28 days, but the normal range is between 25-32 days. A variation of 1-2 days is not concerning. However, if, for example, a woman only menstruates once every 2 or 3 months, it is highly likely that her ovulation function is not working properly. Therefore, the chances of getting pregnant without treatment for such a person are considerably low.

What is the fertility age limit for men?

For example, if a 70-year-old man can engage in sexual intercourse and experience ejaculation, it is still possible for him to father a child. Although sperm count may decrease in men due to hormonal changes, it never reaches zero.

What determines the fertility age limit in women?

A girl’s eggs are already present in her ovaries when she is still a fetus in her mother’s womb. By the fourth month of pregnancy, the eggs reach their peak number, which is approximately 2 million. However, about half of these eggs are lost at birth. It is estimated that when a child reaches puberty, there are about 400,000 eggs left in her ovaries. After that, the number of eggs continues to decrease gradually. Getting pregnant after the age of 45 becomes increasingly difficult due to this natural process, but it is not impossible. The biological makeup varies from person to person, but pregnancy at these ages rarely occurs. Therefore, speaking in terms of age, there is not much change in women’s fertility until the age of 35. The ages between 20-30 are the most fertile years for women. After the age of 35, fertility decreases.

Do environmental factors affect fertility?

Certainly, they do, but the impact of environmental factors is more noticeable in men. This is because while egg production in women does not continue throughout life, sperm production in men is ongoing. In fact, sperm is one of the most continuously produced cell types in the male body. Therefore, they are more susceptible to environmental influences. Sperm production takes approximately 3 months. During this time, environmental factors such as chemical substances, radiation, toxins, and hormones given to food uncontrollably can affect the reproductive organs.

How does lifestyle and smoking affect fertility?

Lifestyle significantly affects a person’s fertility. Smoking, in particular, affects ovarian function more than fertility. This is because smoking contains numerous chemicals that narrow blood vessels and reduce the capacity of blood to carry oxygen each time it is consumed. Consequently, it reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to every organ, including the ovaries. For example, while the average age of menopause is around 51, it occurs approximately 3 years earlier in a woman who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Scientific research conducted on this topic provides ample evidence. If smoking affects the ovaries to this extent, it is inevitable that it also affects fertility.

How to avoid environmental factors?

Since this is within their control, couples should first distance themselves from substances that harm them. Quitting smoking can be considered the first step. Alcohol consumption comes next. While occasional drinking does not pose a problem, continuous alcohol consumption should be stopped. It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and tea. Furthermore, beyond this, it is necessary to avoid foods containing artificial dyes, high levels of chemical substances, and preservatives such as nitrites and sulfites.

When should couples turn to IVF treatment?

Couples under the age of 35 should try to conceive naturally for at least 1 year. However, if there are existing problems, there is no need to wait for a year. For example, if a woman menstruates once every 3 months, it would be pointless to wait for a year before testing. Thus, if there are clear problems, they should be treated. But in a normal situation, waiting for a year is appropriate. After the age of 35, tests such as sperm analysis can be performed after 6-9 months of trying. If a person over 40 wants to have a child, they can start testing and treatment as soon as possible.

Does a history of abortion affect fertility?

Like any surgery, abortion carries a certain degree of risk. The risks associated with abortion include adhesions in the uterus, infection, bleeding, and uterine perforation. However, these are rare occurrences. While abortion carries a certain risk to fertility, a well-performed abortion does not have any effect. An increase in the number of abortions does not necessarily mean an increased risk compared to previous ones.

At what time of the month are women most fertile?

The 14th day after the first day of menstruation is the most anticipated ovulation day. Since sperm lives for an average of 48 hours, starting from the 10th day, having intercourse every other day is predicted to bring the chances of pregnancy to the highest level.

For more details, you can read our article on ovulation: Most Asked 10 Questions about Ovulation Period

Is there an ideal fertility time for men?

There are not many restrictions for men. Since sperm production continues continuously, but the liquid part of the sperm also needs to be formed, it is estimated that the most suitable combination for men will be produced in intercourse that is performed every other day as a standard. If a man is going to have a sperm analysis done in a laboratory, it is recommended that he provide a sperm sample after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. Because the most suitable sperm profile is measured after this two-day abstinence. While frequent intercourse leads to a decrease in sperm volume and counts, too much time between intercourse reduces sperm motility. Therefore, intercourse every other day is considered the most suitable for pregnancy. If a man already has a very good sperm count, this timeframe may not be crucial.

Is it possible to not be able to get pregnant after treatment?

Certainly, there is. Nowadays, about 90% of couples who cannot conceive can achieve pregnancy through treatment. The remaining 10% cannot conceive due to serious reasons. If there is no sperm production in men or if there is no egg production in women, there is nothing that can be done. If there are severe uterine abnormalities, the chance of pregnancy is eliminated.

How many attempts should be made if IVF treatment is unsuccessful?

Treatments are a process conducted against both the purse, psychology, and time. Therefore, couples should be able to say it’s not working after trying for a while. The previous attempt should guide the next one. Before trying again, it is essential to look back and investigate why the treatment failed. For a woman under 35, the chance of success in the first attempt is between 50% and 60%. However, the probability decreases slightly with each attempt. There is usually no problem with a woman up to an average of 6 attempts. Unless there is a critical issue, a woman under the age of 35 can get pregnant in a maximum of three attempts with today’s technology. However, if a woman is over 40, the chance of pregnancy decreases due to reduced fertility. The chance of getting pregnant through IVF at this age is about 25%. Therefore, there may be more treatment attempts in this age range. 

If you’re considering getting pregnant, your first step should be to visit a gynaecologist and undergo the necessary blood tests. Alongside the test results, you should start taking supplements as recommended by your gynaecologist.

Getting pregnant has become increasingly challenging nowadays. One of the main reasons is incorrect nutrition and excess weight. If you have a pregnancy plan and you’re overweight, losing excess weight initially will significantly increase your fertility.

How Should You Eat Before Getting Pregnant?

If you’re considering pregnancy, the second step is to establish a healthy eating routine. Individuals who don’t eat healthy and balanced meals may experience deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Consuming processed foods can reduce fertility due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by unhealthy eating habits.

Firstly, you should create a nutrition plan for yourself. You should have regular main meals and snacks. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include B vitamins and all other vitamins that increase fertility in your daily diet.

Research has shown that foods rich in magnesium and zinc increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Walnuts, almonds, and leafy green vegetables are rich sources of magnesium. Red meat, poultry, shellfish, nuts, and dairy products are rich sources of zinc. 

During this period, you can start brisk walking three days a week for 45 minutes. Also, try to drink 2.5-3 litres of water throughout the day.

Studies have found that women who consume high-glycaemic-index foods have lower fertility rates than those who consume low-glycaemic-index foods. The glycaemic index is a numerical value assigned to carbohydrates based on the glycemic responses they produce in the body. White flour, products made from white flour, and white bread have a high glycaemic index. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose whole grain products during this period. Consumption of simple carbohydrates should be limited during this period.

Last but not least, try to avoid stress as much as possible.

6 Foods to Help You Get Pregnant

Dark Leafy Green Vegetables

Dark leafy green vegetables contribute to fertility due to their high iron and antioxidant content. These types of vegetables will be your greatest ally during pregnancy. Spinach, lettuce, rocket, broccoli, and other dark leafy greens are high in folate. Folate is a B-group vitamin. You can include these vegetables in your salads, sandwiches, and meals. Adding lemon to greens helps the body absorb iron better.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most important sources of protein and are the highest quality protein after breast milk. Eggs contain amino acids that our bodies cannot produce and must be obtained externally. Therefore, egg consumption increases fertility. 

Lentils

Lentils are a source of folic acid, making them one of the best foods to increase fertility. Folic acid plays a role in improving reproductive cycle health. It also strengthens your immune system and protects your body from cancer.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in B vitamins and selenium. Selenium is crucial for increasing fertility. Additionally, garlic helps prevent chromosome problems that can result in early miscarriage. Garlic is especially recommended to be consumed raw.

Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products contain essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins such as A, B12, and B2. Being an important source of minerals and vitamins, milk and dairy products are rich in calcium, strengthening your bones. Therefore, choosing milk, buttermilk, or kephir from the protein group for your snacks and consuming fruit alongside them contributes to your fertility and helps balance your blood sugar.

Banana

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6. By reducing testosterone levels, they increase the chance of getting pregnant. Bananas help eggs develop more healthily. You can consume bananas alone as snacks. For breakfast, oatmeal, milk, and bananas can be a good alternative.

In addition to these foods, apples, salmon, flaxseed, celery, asparagus, carrots, avocados, and other foods also help increase fertility. You can include all these foods in your daily diet. However, consuming portion sizes beyond what is necessary would be incorrect just because these foods increase fertility. Too much of anything is harmful. Please consume them while paying attention to portion sizes.

Healthy eating is essential for the proper functioning of bodily functions. During pregnancy, the body makes new adjustments to support the growth and development of the developing baby and increases the need for certain things. Regulating nutrition according to these needs helps to bring a healthier baby into the world.

Is Nutrition Important Before Pregnancy?

It is known that acquiring permanent correct eating habits suddenly is impossible. Lifelong correct eating habits are established by gradually replacing bad habits with new ones. Therefore, individuals planning to conceive should adopt healthy and balanced eating habits before pregnancy.

Balanced and healthy eating should continue during pregnancy. An expectant mother who has acquired balanced eating habits continues these habits even after the baby is born, ensuring that her baby also eats healthily and grows and develops healthily.

Does Poor Nutrition Affect Pregnancy?

Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition can negatively affect the growth and development of the baby. Insufficient nutrition can cause growth retardation, premature birth, and low birth weight of baby. During pregnancy, it is necessary to consume foods known to be beneficial to the baby and avoid the intake of substances known to be harmful or potentially harmful.

Does Smoking Affect the Chance of Pregnancy?

Smoking has long-term adverse effects on ovarian function. Consequently, it carries risks such as miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight of baby. Studies have also found that women who smoke during fertility treatment have a reduced chance of pregnancy.

These studies have shown that the longer the duration of smoking, the fewer eggs and embryos are obtained. If you smoke, you should quit as soon as possible, both for your own health and to increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Can Excess Weight Cause Infertility?

Obesity alters the effects of hormonal stimuli on the ovaries and testes. As obesity increases insulin levels in women, it leads to excessive production of male hormones that prevent ovulation from the ovaries.

Ovulation disorders called anovulation and the inability to conceive a baby due to this condition are common in obese women. Studies are showing that even losing 10% of current weight helps to improve ovulation function.

Does Excess Weight in Men Prevent Pregnancy?

Although not as pronounced as in women, it is stated that excessive weight negatively affects sperm parameters. Studies are showing the positive effects of weight control on sperm parameters.

Does Extreme Thinness Affect Fertility?

Extreme thinness disrupts the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinising Hormone (LH) from the brain, preventing ovulation. At the same time, inadequate production of ovarian hormones prevents the uterine lining, called the endometrium, from becoming suitable for the implantation of the fertilised egg. Extreme thinness also causes sperm dysfunction and a decrease in sperm count in men.