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When
you first start thinking about pregnancy, it's time to take an inventory
of your health and nutritional habits
- Eat a balanced and varied diet
- Get at least 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day? (the equivalent
of three 8-ounce glasses of milk?)
- Women who are pregnant or planning to be should take a 0.4mg or 400
micrograms (mcg) folic acid supplement every day, and continue to do
so for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Generally it is important to try and get close to your recommended
weight whilst trying to conceive, as being over, or under, can hinder
your chances of conceiving; to check your recommended weight it is
best to consult your GP.
- Although there is no solid evidence that caffeine limits fertility
and your chances of conception, this should also be monitored, as,
since 2001, the recommendation is that pregnant women should limit
their intake of caffeine to no more than 300 mg per day, as there are
signs linking it to miscarriage and low birth weights.
- You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, if you smoke, take
steps to quit and do not take illegal drugs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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