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Why can't I get pregnant? Part 2

Pregnancy and fertility: Why can't I get pregnant?

4. You or your partner drink alcohol regularly

If either of you have more than 4 units a week it can lower your chances of falling pregnant by a third.

In a similar way to smoking, it can affect your partner's sperm count, especially if he drinks every day, and give you both less energy.

It's also best to cut back on how much you drink when you're pregnant anyway so get a head start!

- Do you know how much you're drinking? Take our quiz to find out
- Alcohol and pregnancy

5. Your diet isn't balanced enough

To work at its best, your body needs a balanced diet.

This doesn't mean cutting out junk altogether or following a strict eating regime, it just means that you should eat everything in moderation.

And if you want to get pregnant you'll need to make sure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

There are even certain foods which actually boost your fertility like fish and wholegrains.

- Get more advice on eating to get pregnant

6. You or your partner are either underweight or overweight

Women who are classified as overweight or obese have a much lower chance of getting pregnant. This is because of the stress it puts on your whole body and the fact your energy levels are lowered.

Being underweight can be a problem too, especially if it's because you're not eating enough.

Not being an ideal weight can also affect your menstrual cycle which makes getting pregnant a lot harder and even more unpredictable.

If you're worried speak to your doctor who will be able to help you bring your weight into a healthy range.

They will also be able to tell you whether your weight problem is due to something else such as Polycystic Ovaries - a disorder that can make getting pregnant difficult.

- Take our diet quiz to see which one will suit you
- We've got loads of expert diet tips to help you
- Find out more about Polycystic Ovaries

7. You or your partner drink a lot of caffeine

Whether it's through tea, coffee or fizzy drinks too much caffeine can lower a man's sperm count and affect your fertility too.

Ideally you should try to limit your caffeine intake to just one cup of tea or coffee a day.

- Get more about caffeine and pregnancy

Read on: Reasons 8 - 10

By Vicky Woollaston

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