          TRYING FOR A BABY?
The healthier you are the more likely you are to have a healthy pregnancy. It makes sense to think about your health before you wish to become pregnant as well as during pregnancy. You should start to think about your health at least three months before you wish to become pregnant. Your health before you become pregnant... 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, if you smoke, take steps to quit and do not take illegal drugs. 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. Once you reach your ideal weight you can maintain it through healthy eating and regular exercise. 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. 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. Talk to your doctor about any vitamin supplements you wish to take - it is best to take a vitamin supplement especially for pregnancy as standard supplements may contain vitamins not advised during pregnancy. Evaluate your method of contraception If you are using the Pill you should stop taking it a few months before you wish to become pregnant. It takes at least a month for your cycle to get back to normal and longer for your body to replenish vitamins that can be deficient whilst taking the Pill. If you do not want to conceive straight away use an alternative means of contraception, such as a condom. Understand your cycle Many women do not understand that there are only certain times during their cycle that they are able to become pregnant - this is around the time of ovulation. Ovulation occurs roughly two weeks prior to menstruation. To increase your chances of becoming pregnant it is recommended that you make love during this period. The First Response Ovulation prediction test predicts the 2 days when you are most likely to become pregnant by detecting the LH (luteinising hormone) surge that occurs prior to ovulation. 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. If you wish to give up smoking your doctor will be able to give you the advice and support you need to stop. |