Unhealthy couples get conception advice

The programme in Hull is linked to concerns over obesity and smoking which can hamper chances of having children, increase risks during pregnancy and have long-lasting impacts on children.

About 28 per cent of women in Hull are obese – 1.9 per cent higher than the national average – with numbers of obese mothers-to-be in the city in 2012-13 standing at nearly 1,000.

Obesity and smoking during pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure, miscarriage, premature birth, complications during birth and they can also reduce the chances of conception.

Stopping smoking during pregnancy can improve the health of an unborn baby and increase a man’s sperm count, while women who lose between 5 and 10 per cent of their weight can improve their chance of conception.

Kate Guthrie, medical director of City Health Care Partnership in Hull and a consultant gynaecologist, said: “Everyone wants control of their own fertility and for their child to have the best start in life. Lifestyle changes can be tough but they work and can last a lifetime.”

Help available includes free weight loss services including one-to-one support and drop-in sessions, as well as specialist stop smoking services.

Heidi Henrickson, senior operations manager of public health services, said: “The advisers within our services are trained to help those who are struggling for a family to make practical changes to their lifestyle for good. They work with their clients to find realistic changes that will improve their lifestyle and increase their chances of fertility. They listen, discuss, motivate and will never judge an individual or their circumstances”.

Help is available by calling 01482 335209 or by sending “BUMP” as a text message to 61825.