Age, diet, and emotional preparation for expectant fathers to ensure optimal prenatal and postnatal care

**The task is arduous and the road ahead is long; eugenics must be prepared first.**

Many people believe that men from the North are particularly chauvinistic, rugged, and lacking in sensitivity, but this is not entirely true. Xia Lei, a young man from the North, is remarkably meticulous in his family planning. First, he took his wife to the hospital for a comprehensive pre-pregnancy checkup, consulted with experts in genetics and nutrition, and prepared for having children in every aspect, including psychological, physical, and daily routines.

Indeed, the road to raising children is long and arduous, and expectant fathers must pay close attention to every detail to pass on their best genes to the next generation. So, when does the birth of a new life begin?

Human developmental biology comprises four stages: first, the intrinsic continuation of germline through the formation of germ cells; second, the stage of fertilization, implantation, and embryonic formation; third, the middle and late stages of human development; and fourth, the perinatal period.

The father plays a crucial role in the first stage of human development, a stage that fully demonstrates the inseparable relationship between the father and eugenics. During normal sperm development, various factors can influence its growth. Numerous minor abnormalities and malformations, ranging from quality and quantity to changes in the environment surrounding the sperm and even minute variations within the sperm itself, can lead to eugenic failure. This can result in infertility, birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and various types of congenital abnormalities or malformations. For a sperm to successfully develop into a normal embryo, it must first meet the conditions necessary for fertilization. The sperm must be mature and possess sufficient energy. In other words, under normal physiological conditions, sperm must develop normally and there must be a sufficient quantity.

According to relevant research, genetic factors account for 25% of birth defects in newborns, with physical, chemical, and biological factors accounting for 10%. 21.59% of fathers of children with birth defects were exposed to radiation, microwaves, high temperatures, heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides in their work environment, compared to 17.85% of mothers. 50.3% of fathers of children with birth defects suffered from influenza, fever, rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, herpes, allergies, mumps, or hepatitis, while 24.89% of mothers suffered from these diseases. 55.91% of fathers of children with birth defects had a history of smoking or drinking, compared to only 5.2% of mothers. The father's smoking and drinking habits were significantly associated with the occurrence of birth defects, while the mother's habits were not significantly associated.

Therefore, eugenics is not solely the mother's responsibility; the father's influence is often greater. Many couples desire healthy offspring, and the significant responsibility for this lies with the man. However, if the man has health issues, how can eugenics be ensured? Expectant fathers should pay attention to the following aspects to give birth to the best possible baby:

1. Choose an appropriate age to have children

Generally, children born to men aged 30-35 are considered to be of the highest quality. A man's sperm quality peaks around age 30, remains high for about five years, and then gradually declines. French scientists suggest the optimal age range for a couple: women between 25 and 30, and men between 30 and 35. Ideally, there should be an age difference between the couple, with the father being 5-7 years older than the mother. During this period, women are physically and mentally mature, their eggs are of high quality, and the men's sperm quality is also at its peak, resulting in children who are more intelligent and healthier.

2. A balanced diet should be arranged in daily life.

To ensure a healthy baby, men should maintain a balanced diet. Sperm survival requires high-quality protein, calcium, zinc, minerals and trace elements, arginine, and various vitamins. A poor diet lacking these nutrients can negatively impact sperm production, potentially resulting in lower-quality sperm. Therefore, while trying to conceive, husbands should ensure they eat a balanced diet rich in zinc and arginine, which are beneficial for sperm formation. Examples of such foods include oysters, soft-shelled turtles, eels, river eels, and cuttlefish.

3. Maintain a good and stable mood.

Male reproductive function is closely related to emotions. Prolonged exposure to negative emotions can affect the function of various organs, most notably the immune, circulatory, and endocrine systems, all of which are connected to reproduction. Negative emotions negatively impact sperm production, maturation, and motility, significantly reducing sperm survival and the chances of successful conception. If the prospective father is frequently depressed, anxious, or irritable, it can disrupt the function of the cerebral cortex, causing instability in the nervous system, endocrine function, testicular spermatogenesis, and sexual function, which can also affect sperm production and quality.

4. Avoid saunas and soaking in baths.

For busy men, taking a hot bath or sauna after get off work is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Theoretically, a hot bath at 42℃~50℃ can relax muscles and restore and improve local blood circulation in internal organs, especially beneficial for recovery from fatigue. However, inappropriately high temperatures can cause serious damage to the testicles, one of the most important organs for men.

A foreign study placed male animals in a 38.5°C environment for 55 minutes and found a significant decrease in their mating and fertility. Placing female animals under the same conditions resulted in abnormal estrous cycles and increased fetal mortality. This study also confirmed that a fever exceeding 38.5°C can suppress sperm production for more than six months. Furthermore, urologists frequently emphasize that the temperature of the testicles in the scrotum is about 2°C lower than body temperature, and temperatures exceeding 37°C can damage them. The primary impact is on spermatogenic cells; prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause irreversible damage to fertility and even affect the testicular interstitial cells that produce androgens, thus impacting male sexual function. Therefore, men who wish to conceive should avoid hot baths, prolonged soaking in bathtubs, and saunas for at least six months. Prolonged bathing and excessively hot water can cause sperm at different stages of maturity in the testicles and ovaries to stop developing, and mature sperm to lose their vitality.

5. Do not drink cola or coffee.

It's not advisable to drink cola for three months before conception. Cola contains a component that can kill sperm, and excessive consumption can negatively impact health. Drinking water or fruit juice is recommended instead. Additionally, coffee can also harm male sperm; the caffeine in coffee can reduce sperm motility.