Studies are still being done to identify environmental and dietary impacts on fertility and pregnancy vs. superior genetics. At the recent conference for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine held in Denver, CO some observations were made: 

1. Smoking in women has been shown to decrease egg quality and accelerate the time to menopause. Patients who smoke had less successful IVF cycles.
2. Weight – Being overweight or significantly underweight can affect the menstrual cycles and the quality of ovulation. Health and wellness articles have much to say about this. A recent study showed a BMI (Body Mass Index) in the overweight range decreased the chance of getting pregnant and increased the chance of miscarriage.
3. Caffeine – While the impact of caffeine in women on getting pregnant was inconclusive in studies, more than 3 cups of caffeine per day has been associated with higher miscarriage rates.
4. Alcohol – While an occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage is probably fine while trying to get pregnant, making it a weekly habit decreases fertility. Women’s health advice shows women who have consumed as little as 1-2 drinks per day have decreased their chance of getting pregnant by 25%-30%.

So, as the old saying goes even for fertility, everything in moderation. Superior genetics will continue to be standard but, in the meantime, moderation!