{"id":598,"date":"2026-06-16T06:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T20:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/?page_id=598"},"modified":"2026-06-23T20:39:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T10:39:13","slug":"other-factors-impacting-fertility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Other factors impacting fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"598\" class=\"elementor elementor-598\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f9fb76 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4f9fb76\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1986261 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1986261\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77cbb55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"77cbb55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">PRECONCEPTION HEALTH<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e15fb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8e15fb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Other factors impacting fertility<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac4223e button-with-arrow elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-474 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ac4223e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.myhealthforlife.com.au\/health-check\/?tracking_code=WPQD4G\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Preconception Health Check<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-731f768 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"731f768\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3fe2e1 btbb-custom-background elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b3fe2e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-817\" alt=\"Two healthy women sitting stretching on the grass while looking at a phone together\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ebcf24 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7ebcf24\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb1d319 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eb1d319\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key things to know<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aed7478 paragraph-no-spacing elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aed7478\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Many things can affect fertility and a woman\u2019s health during pregnancy.<\/li><li>Factors such as age, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and environmental influences can all play a role.<\/li><li>Optimising mental health before the baby bump is also important for supporting a healthy pregnancy.<\/li><li>Visiting a GP can provide personalised advice that considers your individual needs and lifestyle.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82afb40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82afb40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The ability to conceive and the health of the baby at birth and later in life are affected by a number of factors, including;<\/p><ul><li>Age \u2013 Even with advances like IVF, fertility decreases as maternal age increases.<\/li><li>Environmental factors \u2013 Exposure to certain chemicals can reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.<\/li><li>Mental health \u2013 Symptoms of depression and anxiety can affect wellbeing during pregnancy and post-birth.<\/li><li>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) \u2013 A hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods and difficulties getting pregnant.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca94707 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ca94707\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c78dc1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9c78dc1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Age<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c840061 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c840061\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, a woman\u2019s chance of conceiving naturally decreases with maternal age.<\/p><p>For couples who may be experiencing difficulties with fertility, a General Practitioner (GP) is the best first point of contact. A GP can assess both partners\u2019 health, arrange relevant investigations, provide guidance on fertility optimisation, and refer to specialists or fertility services if needed.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/having-a-baby-after-age-35-how-aging-affects-fertility-and-pregnancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Having a Baby After 35: How Aging Affects Fertility and Pregnancy<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1121dca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1121dca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8104a73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8104a73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Environmental toxins<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eab8c71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eab8c71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Certain chemicals and environmental toxins can affect reproductive health and reduce the chance of becoming pregnant. These may include heavy metals, pesticides, and air pollutants. Exposure to these substances can impact fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and healthy foetal development.<\/p><p>Reducing or avoiding exposure to specific environmental toxins is important for both parents. If you have concerns, discuss them with your GP who can provide tailored advice.<\/p><p>View this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BeforetheBabyBump-ReducingExposureToChemicals.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fact sheet<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0more information about\u00a0reducing exposure to chemicals\u00a0that can reduce fertility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fded8e0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fded8e0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4321672 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4321672\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=4TVMzr5IB0s&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8124ecf elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"8124ecf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=8C-L7TLCpUI&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fe1642 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fe1642\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reducing Plastics in the Home<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8fbbf9 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a8fbbf9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reducing Chemicals in your Home and Garden<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b455b2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8b455b2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43f35e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"43f35e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mental health<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8632205 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8632205\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The idea of trying for a baby can be exciting, but it can also bring out stress, anxiety or even symptoms of depression for individuals or couples.<\/p><p>For support, access <a href=\"https:\/\/toolkit.lifeline.org.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lifeline\u2019s Support Toolkit<\/a> to find services that can help you manage stress and support mental wellbeing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c8c19e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9c8c19e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-417bc65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"417bc65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">PCOS<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a70e9d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a70e9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women in their reproductive years, occurring in around 1 in 7 women. It is primarily due to a hormonal imbalance rather than a disease of the ovaries. This imbalance can cause irregular periods, changes in skin and hair, and for some women, difficulties <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourfertility.org.au\/how-increase-your-chance-getting-pregnant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">getting pregnant<\/a>.<\/p><p>While the exact causes of PCOS are not fully understood, genetics, hormones present during development in the womb, and lifestyle factors all play a role. Managing hormone levels through a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve the chance of pregnancy.<\/p><p>If you have concerns, talk to your GP to investigate PCOS. Diagnosis can involve blood tests and an ultrasound if needed.<\/p><p>View this <a href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BeforetheBabyBump-AboutPolycysticOvarySyndrome.pdf\">PCOS fact sheet<\/a> for more detailed information about treatment options.<\/p><p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.askpcos.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AskPCOS<\/a> \u2013 an app created by Monash University dedicated to providing evidence-based information about PCOS. It provides information for people with or without a diagnosis about the condition, has a symptom tracker and provides information on how to manage PCOS.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/jeanhailes.org.au\/health-a-z\/pcos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jean Hailes for Women\u2019s Health<\/a> is a not-for-profit Australian health promotion organisation that provides evidence-based PCOS information.<\/p><p>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.monash.edu\/medicine\/sphpm\/mchri\/pcos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation website<\/a> provides a comprehensive range of information for women with PCOS and health professionals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fea851a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fea851a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d92416 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4d92416\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Resources<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cd18c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cd18c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourfertility.org.au\/everyone\/timing#section-ovulationcalculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ovulation Calculator<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8adc7f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e8adc7f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0495c95 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0495c95\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01b9a44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"01b9a44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Checklist for women<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-763b450 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"763b450\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Essential preconception health steps for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45a2769 button-with-arrow elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-640 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"45a2769\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/BeforetheBabyBump-PreconceptionChecklistforWomen.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download Checklist<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b640512 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b640512\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30fbce7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"30fbce7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Checklist for men<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f5eb74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f5eb74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Essential preconception health steps for men.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46f8c07 button-with-arrow elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-643 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"46f8c07\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/BeforetheBabyBump-PreconceptionChecklistforMen.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download Checklist<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c624ff e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9c624ff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-400884b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"400884b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Thinking about having a baby?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6837b37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6837b37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Here are 5 ways to improve your chances of pregnancy and having a healthy baby.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88e590b button-with-arrow elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-647 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"88e590b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/BeforetheBabyBump-ThinkingAboutHavingaBaby.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download Fact Sheet<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a50427 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5a50427\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f657bac e-con-full hwqld-stick-container e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f657bac\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-935eadf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"935eadf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understand your health before the baby bump<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0009a14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0009a14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Take a\u00a0free online preconception health check\u00a0today or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd58661 button-with-arrow button-arrow-teal elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"cd58661\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.myhealthforlife.com.au\/health-check\/?tracking_code=WPQD4G\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M190.5 66.9l22.2-22.2c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0L441 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L246.6 467.3c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.2-22.2c-9.5-9.5-9.3-25 .4-34.3L311.4 296H24c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24v-32c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h287.4L190.9 101.2c-9.8-9.3-10-24.8-.4-34.3z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Preconception health check<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PRECONCEPTION HEALTH Preconception Health Check Key things to know Many things can affect fertility and a woman\u2019s health during pregnancy. Factors such as age, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and environmental influences can all play a role. Optimising mental health before the baby bump is also important for supporting a healthy pregnancy. Visiting a GP can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":817,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-598","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Other factors impacting fertility<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Other factors impacting fertility\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Before the Baby Bump\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-23T10:39:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"512\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/\",\"name\":\"Other factors impacting fertility\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-15T20:06:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-23T10:39:13+00:00\",\"description\":\"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg\",\"width\":768,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Two healthy women sitting stretching on the grass while looking at a phone together\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Other factors impacting fertility\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/\",\"name\":\"Before the Baby Bump\",\"description\":\"Making healthy choices now\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Before the Baby Bump\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/header-logo-bb.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/header-logo-bb.svg\",\"width\":784,\"height\":507,\"caption\":\"Before the Baby Bump\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hw.qld.gov.au\\\/beforethebabybump\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Other factors impacting fertility","description":"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Other factors impacting fertility","og_description":"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.","og_url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/","og_site_name":"Before the Baby Bump","article_modified_time":"2026-06-23T10:39:13+00:00","og_image":[{"width":768,"height":512,"url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/","url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/","name":"Other factors impacting fertility","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-15T20:06:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-23T10:39:13+00:00","description":"Information for people planning pregnancy about factors which impact fertility and pregnancy, including age, mental health, PCOS and environmental influences.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HWQld-BeforeTheBabyBump-TwoWomenStretchingOutdoorsPhone-768x512px.jpg","width":768,"height":512,"caption":"Two healthy women sitting stretching on the grass while looking at a phone together"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/other-factors-impacting-fertility\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Other factors impacting fertility"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#website","url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/","name":"Before the Baby Bump","description":"Making healthy choices now","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#organization","name":"Before the Baby Bump","url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/header-logo-bb.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/header-logo-bb.svg","width":784,"height":507,"caption":"Before the Baby Bump"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=598"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1086,"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/598\/revisions\/1086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hw.qld.gov.au\/beforethebabybump\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}