If you plan to become pregnant, use the months prior to
conception to get yourself into peak physical condition.
Most women realize that they must take good care of
themselves during pregnancy. But a healthy state cannot be achieved overnight.
There are certain sensible measures, which should be taken some months before
you intend to become pregnant if you want to give your child the best possible
start in life and yourself the best chances of a happy and healthy pregnancy.
A Head Start on Health
If you have not had rubella, (German measles) make sure that
you have been immunized against it. You are GP can give you a simple blood test
to see whether you need to be vaccinated.
Remember that you cannot be vaccinated once your pregnancy
has started and you should wait at least three-months after the vaccination
before attempting to become pregnant.
Drugs and medicine of any kind may have an effect on an
unborn baby. If you are on pills of any sort and intend to become pregnant,
tell your GP and only continue taking them if he or she advises that they are essential
to your health. This even applies to remedies bought over the counter such as
aspirin.
There may be uncertainty about the effect of many drugs but
it is known that smoking damages the health of an unborn child. If you are a
smoker, try to give up some months before you want to become pregnant. You
should make sure you have well and truly stopped and will not lapse. Give
yourself a chance to adjust and your system time to rid itself to the effects
of smoking.
The effects of alcohol on an unborn baby are not fully clear
but it is evident that women who drink heavily during pregnancy may damage their
baby’s as well as their own health. If you drink regularly, try to cut right
down even before you try to conceive. Although the odd drink will do no harm,
you will not want to take chances.
Building up Resources
Another important measure is to make sure that you eat a
sensible, balanced diet and are reasonably fit in the months before pregnancy,
so that when you become pregnant your body has the necessary resources to draw
upon. Of course, it makes sense not to be overweight but do not go on a drastic
slimming diet. You should be cutting out vital proteins and vitamins that your
baby needs in the crucial early days following conception. It is thought that
malnutrition in mothers before and around the time of conception may be
responsible for many handicaps. If you are concerned about your weight, consult
your GP about a sensible diet.
Try to make sure you are getting enough exercise, although
if you are not used to a great deal, take it gradually. Try walking a little further
each day, swimming or joining a keep fit class. The fitter and healthier you
are at the time of conception, the better for your baby and the more chance you
will have of enjoying your pregnancy.
Your complete guide to Self-Massage
Delicious Potato Recipes
Your complete guide to Self-Massage
Delicious Potato Recipes
