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Take a look at your lifestyle
Eliminate Unhealthy Habits
We all have 'unhealthy' habits we would like to stop but never get around to doing anything about them. When you first start to think about becoming pregnant is the time to get around to it!
You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can make you less fertile. Quitting smoking can help your chances of conceiving too. If you need help to quit, call the NHS Stop Smoking helpline on 0800 169 0169.
If you are overweight it is recommended that you follow a diet that will help you reach your ideal weight without trying to lose too much too quickly. See Eat Right To Conceive for expert nutrition advice from fertility expert Yvonne Bishop-Weston. Once you reach your ideal weight you can maintain it through healthy eating and regular exercise. We strongly recommend you ask your GP before starting any diet.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
Exercise
If you aren't exercising already, you should begin to do so. Regular (moderate) exercise will strengthen the muscles needed during your pregnancy and delivery, improve circulation, relieve common aches and pains and help control weight gain.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
Ensure you are getting enough of the right vitamins
It is important that you get the right vitamins before you become pregnant. The two most important vitamins are Folic Acid and Calcium. Medical research has shown that folic acid (a B Vitamin) can greatly reduce the chances of babies being born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
The Government's advice on folic acid to women planning a pregnancy is to take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement; choose breads and breakfast cereals which have added folic acid and to eat more foods which are naturally high in folic acid. Foods naturally high in folic acid include fruit, dark-green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas.
It is important to ensure that you are getting enough calcium. Once you are pregnant, nature will provide for the new baby's development by taking calcium from your body. It is essential therefore to make sure that you are getting enough calcium for both you and your baby. Either eat foods high in calcium, for example milk and dairy products, or take a calcium supplement.
It is best to get the vitamins you need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, you may wish to consider taking vitamin supplements such as vitamin C, chromium, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc.
Your partner may also wish to take vitamin supplements prior to conception. These can include vitamins A, B12, C and E, arginine, ginseng, lysine, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
Visit your doctor
If you are planning to become pregnant you should visit your doctor for preconceptual advice. You should ensure that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations (especially Rubella) and your cervical smear test.
Talk to your doctor about any vitamin supplements you wish to take - it is best to take a vitamin supplement especially for pregnancy such as Sanatogen Pro Natal or Pregnacare as standard supplements may contain vitamins not advised during pregnancy.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.
This information does not replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions. Any dietary change should be made in consultation with your GP.