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What Dad Should Know Before Baby is Conceived

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:56 AM

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Healthy living is just as important for men before conceiving a child as it is for women. After all, children carry half of their father’s genes; so it’s very important that Dad be in the best possible health, to ensure baby is as healthy as can be.

Fertility

Decreased sperm production can result when men eat an unhealthy diet, smoke, consume too much alcohol, take recreational drugs or are exposed to radiation or chemicals (L.E. Perry, The Nurse Practitioner, 1996). Also, mothers who breathe in second-hand smoke have a greater risk of having a low birth weight baby. Alcoholism can also result in decreased male fertility and even impotence (Perry, 1996).

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Some studies have found links between male toxic exposures and birth defects among children. It is presently unknown whether these defects occur because of direct damage to the sperm or due to indirect exposure of the female partner. Men may indirectly expose their partners to harmful substances by carrying chemicals home on their clothes or by absorbing them into their bloodstream and transmitting them through their semen during sexual intercourse. Some of these chemicals include lead, vinyl chloride, dioxin, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T Pesticides, and PCB’s. Exposure to vinyl chloride and benzene can also increase the potential for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, increasing the risk of genetic disorders (Perry, 1996).

When proper precautions are used, hazardous substances can usually be handled without danger to the person working with them. If you have any concerns about potential exposure to hazardous chemicals at work, check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for that particular substance or ask your health and safety officer.

Smoking

Tobacco can affect the fertility of both men and women. In men, it reduces sperm production, changes sperm shape, and decreases sperm movement. Smoking may also interfere with having a normal erection by reducing blood flow to the penis. In women, smoking interferes with ovulation, fertilization and implantation of the fertilized egg.

Second-hand smoke is also a concern for pregnant women. Exposure to high levels may lead to a reduction in the baby's growth, and interruption of fetal lung (breathing) movements.

Children of smokers are more likely to die from crib death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than other children. They tend to have a greater number of health problems and may have learning deficits. Also, exposure to second-hand smoke is a cause of cancer.

For more information on Health Before Conception contact the Community Health Services at: (519) 383-8331, extension 512