If you are actively engaged in trying to fall pregnant you need to ensure your body is prepared to accept the challenges that pregnancy will bring. The first thing you absolutely need to do before beginning to try is to speak to your own doctor. Your GP will need to see how you measure up health wise before giving you any advice or supplemental nutrition. Your doctor may feel you need to lose a few pounds before getting pregnant or perhaps you may even need to gain a few? Your doctor may recommend that you change your eating habits or start an exercise regime.
As soon as you decide you want to try for a baby, it is recommended to start getting into the habit of eating healthier. You should slowly begin to cut down caffeine with a view to stopping altogether during conception, pregnancy and breast feeding. If you are a smoker, this is also a good time to quit as opposed to waiting until you have tested positive. Smoking has been proven to decrease your fertility, and increase your risk of miscarriage if you are still smoking while pregnant.
Another thing you could do is start taking prenatal supplements, or at least a multivitamin supplement that contains approximately 400 micrograms of folic acid. You should also alter your diet to include foods that are rich in folic acid such as:-
You could start taking a prenatal vitamin also. These vitamins contain:-
Reevaluate your current diet totally. Start eating foods that contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Cut right back or totally eliminate foods that contain fats or excessive amounts of sugar. Ideally you need to eat foods that have a high nutrient density. Eat at least five servings per day of fruits and vegetables along with protein and iron rich foods like dried fruit, and green vegetables.
Try to avoid raw fish like sushi, and steer very clear of undercooked shellfish, meat or chicken. It is recommended that you try to avoid fish that has a high mercury content such as swordfish, shark, or king mackerel. Cut out any food that uses unpasteurized milk, this includes such cheeses such as brie, camembert, and some Mexican cheese. Also discontinue foods that have raw egg in them, like homemade cookie dough.
Make sure you increase your water intake. Water should always be your beverage of choice before, during and after your pregnancy. Water helps to flush your system of any toxins. Once you've taken your daily minimum of eight glasses, you can supplement that with fruit juice or vegetable juice.
Possibly the most critical thing you can do before you get pregnant is to eliminate all alcohol intake. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have stated that women who drink alcohol may well have a harder time getting pregnant than women who do not drink. Another good reason to give up alcohol is that most birth defects that are attributed to alcohol exposure will usually occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, which is before you even aware that you are pregnant.
Getting your body prepared for the possibility of pregnancy is one of the best decisions you can make. Your body will be more able to cope with the challenges of growing a baby and the experience will inevitably be easier on your body.
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