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Expert Q&A

	By Randy Morris Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Chicago

How can I prepare for conception? Is there any truth to cranberries contributing to uterine health?

I am not aware of any beneficial effects of cranberries toward fertility or "uterus health." There is some evidence to suggest that it may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

Remember, you don't need a book or Web site to prepare yourself for conception. Avoid those things that contribute to infertility and miscarriage. This includes alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Even small amounts of these things can affect fertility. A recent study of Scandinavian women, for example, demonstrated that one alcoholic drink per week reduced the number of women achieving pregnancy by 30 percent.

There is also some evidence that high mercury levels can affect male and female fertility. Some types of seafood have high levels of mercury contamination. These should be avoided.

Additionally, there is evidence that chlorine in the water supply when combined with other organic compounds may increase the risk for miscarriage or birth defects. It may be reasonable to use filtered water either from a bottle from the store or from a home filter.

Finally, women attempting pregnancy should take folic acid supplements in the amount of 1,000 micrograms daily in order to reduce the risk of certain types of birth defects. Your doctor can write a prescription for prenatal vitamins which contain that amount. Over-the-counter vitamins usually only have 400 micrograms."

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