Fathers also can help prepare for a baby

Men can increase their fertility and the health of a pregnant partner with some simple steps, says Dr. Lisa Halvorson, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Halvorson recommends that men trying to conceive with their partners should:

• Stop smoking. This will reduce second-hand smoke around the partner and can increase male fertility;
• Stop or reduce drinking alcohol, to increase male fertility;
• If you’re working around dangerous chemicals, such as agricultural pesticides or fertilizers, change clothes immediately upon coming home, and wash those clothes separately; and
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs or other hot environments.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/obgyn to learn more about clinical services in gynecology and obstetrics at UT Southwestern.

Media Contact: Aline McKenzie