Have you ever thought about your lifestyle? Well, our lifestyle impacts many areas, and fertility is no different. Our habits and choices are reflected in our bodies, which is why living a healthy life is so important for our bodies to work effectively. Depending on our choices, the impacts will be positive or negative. Dealing with excesses is also part of these choices, and everything should be well considered when you start planning to get pregnant. Some habits, such as frequent alcohol consumption or smoking, are part of some women’s lives. But do you know what impact alcohol and tobacco have on your fertility? And during pregnancy? Let’s find out!
Alcohol Consumption
A national passion, alcohol is part of daily life for many people in our country. Whether it’s at happy hour after work or at a weekend barbecue, alcohol consumption is present across all spheres and social classes of Brazilians. Although there isn’t a lot of research on the subject yet, it is known that alcohol intake is associated with decreased fertility, especially for women who drink excessively, meaning more than 07 drinks per week. Usually, this habit is related to symptoms such as menstrual dysregulation including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), and irregular menstrual periods. Even moderate alcohol consumption, such as up to 05 drinks per week, has been shown to alter women’s fertility. Some studies show that women who drank alcohol in the month before fertility treatments were negatively affected by a decrease in their chances of becoming pregnant. 
A group of researchers also found a connection between alcohol consumption and menstrual cramps. During their study, they concluded that drinking alcohol more than once a week increases the likelihood of having severe pain lasting longer during the menstrual cycle. Just as alcohol causes harm to female fertility, the same goes for men. Excessive drinking can cause impotence, reduce libido, and affect sperm quality. During pregnancy, alcohol intake is associated with risks for the baby, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as a higher chance of miscarriage and malformations.
Cigarette Use
Even with the various campaigns alerting about the effects of smoking, there are still many smokers in the country, and many start this habit at a young age. This seems to be one of the most harmful habits for those trying to get pregnant. As we all know, smoking causes several health problems. Among them, we can mention an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, such as lung, pharynx, and larynx cancer, among others, as well as blood pressure problems and also fertility-related issues. In terms of numbers, one study points out that smoking increases the risk of infertility by about 60%. The relationship between smoking and disorders of the menstrual cycle has been the subject of many studies. For this reason, there is a great deal of evidence pointing to the effects that smoking has on female fertility, in which the ovaries and the uterus are severely affected. Some studies have concluded that smoking ages eggs and affects markers of ovarian reserve. In the uterus, smoking alters its receptivity and makes zygote implantation more difficult. There is also a strong association between cigarette smoke and accelerated loss of follicles, as well as abnormal follicular growth, which compromises egg quality. In addition, it can be noted that smoking decreases estrogen and progesterone levels in the body while increasing androgen hormone levels, thus affecting the body’s hormonal balance. 
The consequences of smoking can also be noticed during menstruation. Usually, women who smoke have fewer days of menstruation but a heavier menstrual flow during those days. Even for those seeking help through treatment, the habit of smoking will reduce the chances of success. Data shows that smoking is associated with low fertility rates and a higher risk of failure in in vitro fertilization. In cases of cigarette use during pregnancy, there are serious risks not only for the mother but also for the baby. Besides the risk of placenta previa or placental abruption, smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of miscarriage and of the baby being born underweight. Not to mention the possibility that the baby will have breathing problems throughout life. So, the best thing to do is to try as much as possible to quit any habits that could harm your health and your baby’s as well. In addition to improving your chances of conception and having a smoother pregnancy, healthy habits will help ensure that your baby develops healthily as well.
