So there was this Tik Tok.
In this video, a couple, Maya and Hunter, are discussing the preparation needed before trying to get pregnant to create the healthiest, happiest baby and mother-to-be. Let’s clarify that: They’re talking about the steps needed, not for Maya to take, but for Hunter to take.
“Preeclampsia is tied to men,” Hunter says in the video. “Morning sickness is tied to men because men build the placenta.”
He goes on to say, “Fifty to sixty percent of the baby’s epigenetic makeup is because of the man. So if you’re gonna spend nine months following all these rules while building a baby inside you,” he says to Maya, “then I can spend the nine months prior to that not drinking alcohol, limiting caffeine, getting blood work, and eating three healthy meals a day. It’s common sense.”
Honestly, when he puts it this way, it does seem like common sense.
Why Male Sperm Health Matters
As a culture, we tend to spend a lot of time focusing on how females can prepare their bodies for pregnancy, and during pregnancy how they can stay as healthy and safe as possible. But we don’t spend a lot of time talking about how males—the other half of the gene pool going into this little project—should also be caring for themselves.
Hunter is right here: research does show a link between male sperm health and a woman’s risk of preeclampsia1, a rare but very dangerous condition. One study even shows a doubled risk of preeclampsia for women undergoing IVF when the sperm quality is poor.2
While the research is lacking on Hunter's claim that sperm health impacts morning sickness (though, yes, sperm does build the placenta3), he’s certainly right to point out that about half of the baby’s epigenetic makeup comes from Dad.4
So in this article, we’ll spend some time talking about how the male in the equation can prepare his body to create the healthiest pregnancy and future child that he possibly can. We’ll also discuss how he (or any partner) can best support their pregnant partner emotionally.
Preparing for Conception—For Him
How to Make Sperm Stronger for Pregnancy
According to Mayo Clinic, there are some very real ways males can make their sperm healthier and “stronger” (picturing tiny, jacked sperm here) for a healthier baby and pregnancy. They suggest5:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Preventing STIs
- Managing stress
- Regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting drinking
- Avoiding lubricants during sex
- Talking to a healthcare provider about your medications
- Avoiding toxins like pesticides and chemicals
- Keeping your scrotal area cool (Yes, really.)
What Vitamins Should a Man take When Trying to Conceive
According to a recent study, the vitamins that have the most robust research behind them in terms of improving sperm health are: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, L-carnitine, and CoQ10.6 Now, just to be clear, this study doesn’t actually test the efficacy of certain vitamins and supplements; it just shows us that there is more research out there showing that these particular vitamins do seem to help in fertility.
According to the New England Fertility Institute, adding in some other vitamins like Selenium, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, and Lycopene can also help boost male sperm health. They also note that males trying to conceive should avoid supplements like DHEA (commonly used by weightlifters), which can impair fertility by stopping sperm production.7
Male Fertility Supplements
The benefit of certain male fertility supplements is that they take the above vitamins, combine them into one convenient supplement, and throw in some added sperm-boosting goodness.
PREGGO Sperm Health, for example, includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and a whole dash of Sperm positiv blend containing the powerful antioxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid and N-Acetyl Cysteine, as well as Longjack Tongkat Ali Root Extract, an herb traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction among other things.*8
At the same, females can take conception support capsules, which includes several of the same key ingredients like Folate, Zinc, and Selenium, but also some ingredients that are especially helpful for women trying to conceive, like iodine, CoQ10, and an Omega 3-6-9 fatty acid blend. All of these ingredients have been proven to help fertility in females.*6,9,10
Is It Possible To Increase Ejaculation Strength?
Even if you’ve never found yourself on certain adult websites, you have certainly been bombarded with advertisements for products, supplements, and medications that can increase ejaculation strength. The science behind these products is, as you might imagine, a bit spotty.
But according to Columbia Health’s (very entertaining) Go Ask Alice! Sexual Advice column, males can increase the strength and amount of their ejaculation by11:
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet
- Avoiding substances like drugs, alcohol, and nicotine
- Increasing time between ejaculating
- Taking certain supplements (like we mentioned above)
It’s important to note here that the amount of ejaculation doesn’t necessarily mean a higher likelihood of conception. As one fertility clinic points out, somebody with low semen volume but a high concentration of sperm may be more fertile than somebody with a lot of semen and a lower concentration of sperm.12
What Can People Do to Help Their Partner During Pregnancy?
Of course preparation and support don’t end before conception; we’d hope that folks continue to support their pregnant partner throughout pregnancy, and you know, forever more. (But that’s a much longer post.)
For now, here are a few ways you can support your pregnant partner during pregnancy.
- Consider abstaining from substances: Your pregnant partner won’t be able to drink, smoke, or do drugs during pregnancy or for months after birth. You might consider also putting a hold on partaking, as an act of solidarity. Furthermore, this will make you a mentally and physically healthier partner—and you’re going to need all the energy you can get once a new baby is around.
- Read up: There is plenty of literature out there about pregnancy and raising a newborn. Your partner is already carrying your baby; you might crack open a book and study up.
- Help out around the house—more: Simply carrying a baby takes an insane amount of mental, physical, and caloric energy.13 Not to mention your pregnant partner may be dealing with nausea, joint pain, the distracting reality of having to pee every 20 minutes, and much more. You can help by taking over a majority of the household to-dos.
- Ask her what she needs—and then do that: Simply asking your partner what she needs, and then actually doing it, can be the most helpful thing of all. Does she need a massage? Book her a prenatal massage or give her one of your own. Does she need help with something? Help her. Does she need space? Make yourself scarce.
Asking, listening, and then following through are some of the very best ways to show your pregnant partner support.
