The fertility mistake many couples don't realise they're making before pregnancy

The journey to becoming parents often begins with buying baby clothes, discussing names or planning a nursery. But the first act of love for a future child may be far simpler: putting out the last cigarette.Smoking is usually linked with lung disease, heart attacks and cancer. What receives far less attention is its effect on fertility and pregnancy. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, many of which can damage reproductive cells in both men and women.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report on smoking and reproductive health, smoking can make it harder to conceive and increases the risk of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes for babies.For couples hoping to start a family, the message from fertility specialists is increasingly clear: conception is a shared journey, and so is quitting smoking."Smoking not only affects the lungs and heart, but also can have a serious impact on reproductive health in both men and women. Yes, that's true!" said Dr Vandana Bhatia, Senior Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Vasant Vihar, Delhi.She explains that many couples concentrate on healthy eating and exercise while preparing for pregnancy but often overlook smoking."Contrary to the general belief that smoking can only impact the lungs or heart, the truth is that it can also silently have a detrimental impact on fertility, pregnancy and even long-term development of the child. That is why health experts strongly encourage couples to 'Quit Together, Conceive Together.'"For men, the damage can be equally significant. Smoking can reduce sperm count, affect sperm movement and increase DNA damage in sperm cells. Since fertilisation depends on healthy eggs and healthy sperm, both partners have an important role in protecting fertility.The effects of smoking do not stop at conception.Dr Bhatia said, "In women, it can damage the quality of eggs, affect hormone levels, reduce ovarian reserve, and increase the chances of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and early menopause. In men, smoking can lower sperm count, reduce sperm movement, damage sperm quality and increase the risk of abnormal sperms. All these factors even contribute towards the lower success rates of fertility treatments like IVF."There is also another hidden risk, passive smoking."Even passive smoking can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes because of the harmful chemicals that the woman inhales from cigarette smoke. Further, when both partners smoke, the impact becomes even greater. Therefore, couples who smoke may take longer to conceive compared to non-smokers."The smoke from a partner's cigarette does not stay in the air for long, but its effects can linger in the body. In some homes, a woman trying to conceive may never smoke herself and still be exposed to the same harmful chemicals every day.Changing any habit is difficult. Changing it with someone beside you makes it easier."Quitting smoking as a couple can improve motivation and emotional support for each other. When one partner continues smoking, it becomes harder for the other person to quit successfully. Making the decision together creates accountability and encourages healthier habits."There is a practical reason behind this. Habits are often shared. Morning tea, work breaks and social gatherings can all become smoking triggers. If one partner quits while the other continues, temptation remains close at hand.Couples who stop smoking together often begin adopting other healthy behaviours too. They walk more, cook healthier meals and become more conscious of sleep and stress management. These changes create a healthier environment even before a baby arrives.Dr Bhatia added, "Couples who quit smoking before pregnancy often experience improved fertility and better overall health as the body begins repairing itself within weeks of quitting."Many people think pregnancy health starts with a positive pregnancy test. Science tells a different story.The quality of eggs and sperm before conception can influence the health of a future child. Studies have linked smoking with higher risks of premature birth, low birth weight and breathing problems in babies.Dr Bhatia noted, "Smoking during pregnancy can also increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma and breathing problems in the baby, and developmental issues later in life. All these risks make it important for both parents to quit smoking before starting a family."Parenthood is often described as a series of sacrifices. In reality, quitting smoking is less a sacrifice and more an investment. It is an investment in fertility, pregnancy and the long-term health of a child who has not yet arrived.Quitting smoking rarely happens overnight. Most people need encouragement, support and sometimes professional help.Dr Bhatia recommends simple but practical steps:"Remember, it is possible to quit smoking. Healthy choices are important to build a healthy family. Choosing to quit together not only improves the chances of conception but also helps create a healthier future for both parents and their baby. This is one of the best decisions that a couple can make for their family. Don't wait—get going and quit smoking for a healthier tomorrow."Parenthood begins long before the first heartbeat is heard on an ultrasound. Sometimes, it begins with two people making one quiet promise to each other: to choose health together.Medical experts consultedThis article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:Dr Vandana Bhatia, Senior Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Vasant Vihar, Delhi. Inputs were used to explain how smoking can silently affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes and a baby's long-term health, and why health experts urge both partners to quit smoking together before planning a pregnancy.