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If you've been wanting to conceive, you need to leave behind your late night parties, movies etc. Why? Because it could affect the production of the fertility hormone. 'Darkness is important for optimum reproductive health in women and for protecting the developing foetus,' said Russel J Reiter, a professor of cellular biology at University of Texas' health science centre in San Antonio.
Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness, is important when women are trying to conceive. 'Melatonin has strong antioxidant properties that shield the egg from free-radical damage, especially when women ovulate,' Reiter added.(Read: How to get pregnant 7 tips to get there faster)
If women are trying to get pregnant, maintain at least eight hours of a dark period at night, researchers said. Staying in darkness has nothing to do with sleep. 'It is the darkness that is needed for the brain to produce melatonin,' Reiter was quoted as saying in media reports. The study appeared in the journal Fertility and Sterility. (Read: Are you ready for pregnancy?)
Why is a pre-pregnancy counselling important?
'Though not all couples prefer a pre-pregnancy counselling but in some cases it becomes crucial. Like, if the couple had faced a problem during the previous pregnancy or either of the partner have any health concerns that can come in the way of conception, counselling can address such issues beforehand. Fortunately most of the problems that arise during the pregnancy may not occur the next time. But some might have a risk of recurrence, hence a pre-pregnancy counseling becomes important,' says Dr Shantala Vadeyar, consultant gynecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
Who should go for it?
Following are the reasons for which you should seek an appointment with the doctor for a pre-pregnancy counselling:
What are the tests that are done during pre-pregnancy counselling?
Routine blood tests: A routine blood test is done on both partners to check if there are any underlying health conditions that needs attention or can come in the way of conception and pregnancy.
CBC count: A complete blood count is done to rule out the possibility of anemia in the woman, as low hemoglobin count can in turn adversely affect fetal health and development after conception. 'In most cases this condition can be treated effectively if it comes to light before conception to ensure a smooth pregnancy and good health of the fetus,' says Dr Vadeyar. Read more about Pre-pregnancy counselling why is it important?
With inputs from IANS
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