SHARES
Making preparations to conceive? “We expect wannabe mothers to make lifestyle changes before having a baby, but do their partners need to do the same? Do they play any role in the health of their offspring? What should couples do in their preparations to conceive?”
We all know that a healthy pregnant woman has a positive impact on her baby but little is known about how a father’s health choices affect the baby. A few studies have been conducted and show that it is not just only the woman’s health impacting on child. In fact, the father’s health plays an important role in the metabolic health of their offspring too.
Preparations to Conceive – For Fathers
There are studies on mice which could motivate wannabe fathers hitting the gym prior conceiving a baby. Yes, Dads could make preparations to conceive!
Male mice in the study were fed with either a normal or high fat diet. Some mice from each diet were put on a sedentary lifestyle whilst some exercised freely. After 3 weeks, the mice bred. Their offspring eat a normal diet under sedentary conditions for a year. Offspring from the father mice who exercised had better glucose metabolism. And decreased body weight and lower fat mass too.
So, translated to humans, it shows how important exercise is for both man and their offsprings. If someone who’s getting ready to have children exercise regularly before conception, their children will be healthier.
Photo by billy williams from Flickr
How Does Exercise Change Our DNA?
Exercise increases sperm motility and change the genetic expression of sperm. There is a strong change in RNA which regulates genetic expression. The change suppresses the poor dietary effect of male on their offspring and reduce the risk of inheriting risk factor for obesity and diabetes.
Effect On Our Children
Men who are physically active before conception has a long-term health effect on their offspring. Their child has a lower level of body fats, better glucose tolerance, and normal glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. They are less likely to get type 2 diabetes.
Even a month or so of moderate exercise before conceiving can help with children’s metabolic health, and the effect is throughout the lifespan, but predominantly at 52 weeks.
Start Exercising
So, if you want to have a healthy kid, you should consider getting off from your couch and get moving. However, it’s important to note a few things before you start.
1. Check Your Health
It’s good to consult your doctor and get physical examination before you start exercising, especially for those who are older and not used to strenuous exercise. Checkup before exercise can lower the risk of injury during workout and optimizing your workout.
2. Make It A Habit
The key to exercise regularly is persistence and consistency. It is easier for you to maintain a routine if you make it a habit. Manage and allocate time for it. You can make it more fun by exercising with your partner or your friends.
Photo by clever poet from Flickr
Conclusion
In conclusion, more human studies are needed before we can draw a firm conclusion on the effect of paternal exercise on the offspring. Clearly, there are many other proven benefits of exercising. So why not kick start a healthy and active lifestyle for you and your partner?
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References:
1. Bergland C. Soon-to-be dads who exercise may have healthier kids [Internet]. Psychology Today. 2020. (Available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201810/soon-be-dads-who-exercise-may-have-healthier-kids; last updated on 2018 Oct 23; last accessed on 2020 May 23]
2. Joslin Diabetes Center. Study indicates that fathers who exercise before conception produce children who are healthier throughout their lives [Internet]. Newswise. 2018 (Available from: https://www.newswise.com/articles/study-indicates-that-fathers-who-exercise-before-conception-produce-children-who-are-healthier-throughout-their-lives; last accessed on 2020 May 23)
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
