Saed News: The long-held belief that only mothers need to take care of the baby during pregnancy, and that the father’s age and habits do not affect the child’s health, is being challenged. New research shows that a father’s health long before conception can also influence the health of the baby and child.
According to SAEDNEWS, for years it was believed that a child’s health during pregnancy depends almost entirely on the mother’s physical and mental condition—from nutrition and vitamins to medical care and lifestyle.
However, recent studies show that the father’s health before pregnancy can also play an important role in the child’s future, a topic that is now attracting global scientific attention.
Researchers say factors such as the father’s age, stress, lack of sleep, smoking and alcohol consumption, obesity, and even exposure to environmental pollution may affect a child’s physical and mental health years before birth. One of the most studied factors is advanced paternal age.
Studies have shown that children born to fathers over 45 may have a slightly higher risk of certain neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or learning difficulties.
Scientists believe this may be linked to the continuous production of sperm in men, a process in which small genetic mutations can accumulate over time.
But age is not the only factor. Research also shows that smoking and alcohol consumption can damage sperm DNA and reduce its quality. Chronic stress, obesity, irregular sleep, and poor diet may also affect gene function and healthy fetal development through epigenetic changes.
Doctors emphasize that many of these risks are preventable. Quitting smoking and alcohol, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and omega-3 sources can improve sperm health.
They say that just as prenatal care is important for mothers, fathers’ health should also be an essential part of family planning.