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| Pregnancy Information from BabyNature How to Optimize your Health for Conception
You and your partner have decided- you’re ready to become parents! Making this decision may be daunting but should be even more exciting! While there are lots of things to consider before becoming pregnant, enjoy the process of planning positively for the future of your child and family. Conception is the amazing process of creating a brand new person from just two cells. These two cells represent everything that you and your partner are. The man’s sperm and the woman’s ovum represent your physical characteristics, personality traits, current state of health and even personal mannerisms. With this concept in mind, it is clear why optimizing your health as soon-to-be expecting parents is of utmost importance. By preparing your body and mind for the creation of this new addition to your family you will give him/her the best chance at health and happiness in the future. Optimize your health for conception The physical and emotional health of both partners before conception is very important in the healthy development of your baby. Once you have made the decision to conceive you should begin assessing your health and lifestyle and how this might be improved to attain optimum “preconception health”. Here are some things to consider: Nutrition and Exercise Firstly, a balanced diet alongside regular, moderate physical exercise will help to achieve a healthy body and a good level of fitness and stamina- crucial for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. Your diet should include adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid in the woman. 0.4 mg of folic acid is recommended for all women planning a pregnancy in order to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Supplements of folic acid are widely available and dietary sources are mainly green, leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli and spinach. Other important nutrients for women in the preconception stage include calcium and iron. To obtain adequate amounts of these and all other essential nutrients, eat a diet containing a balance of nutritious foods including fruit and vegetables, whole-grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and meat. Foods to avoid in the preconception stage are anything highly processed or containing caffeine - these may be detrimental to general health and can also decrease fertility. It is also suggested that men take a supplement containing zinc - as this trace element has been found to be important in the manufacture of healthy sperm. Food sources of zinc include meat, poultry and sea food, especially oysters! Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking If you or your partner smoke or use recreational drugs, now is the ideal time to quit as it is not only your health but that of your future children that will be affected by this habit. Men who smoke tend to be less fertile and quitting will improve the quality of the sperm. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to complications, miscarriage and low birth weight babies so quit before trying to conceive. Obviously a smoke-free home is also far more conducive to healthy, happy children. Alcohol should also be avoided by both partners as this can decrease fertility and affect the normal development of your baby. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may risk their babies being born with a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) characterised by mental retardation and other health problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is common among women who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol every day, but is also a risk for those who have the 'occasional' drink, so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol altogether. Stress Stress management is important in preparation for conception as stress can affect the immune system as well as hormones and ultimately, fertility. Using relaxation methods that work for you such as gentle exercise, yoga, meditation or even just relaxing with friends or a good book will improve your health and chances of conception. Medication If at all possible both partners should avoid over-the-counter as well as prescription medications while trying to conceive. Many medications are linked to birth defects and even more have unknown effects on the growing fetus. If you or your partner take medication for a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it is important to speak to your health care provider about the safety of your drug regimen during the preconception stage (and pregnancy in the woman) and other treatment options that may be available. Any potentially harmful medications should be discontinued between 1 and 6 months prior to conception. This would be a good time to explore natural alternatives to the prescription and over the counter medication you have been using regularly! Emotional Health Although the physical health of both partners is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby, it’s important not to neglect psychological and emotional health. As a couple you need to assess emotional readiness for pregnancy and a new addition to the family. Address any unresolved issues, especially difficulties with anxiety and depression or conflict within the relationship, before trying to conceive. Many people embark on pregnancy as a way to 'save' or 'change' a relationship which is in trouble and this is a grave mistake. While children bring lots of joy and fulfilment and can deepen the bond between couples in healthy relationships. pregnancy and parenthood will bring their own stresses and trials and only a strong, healthy partnership will be able to deal with these hurdles positively. Preparation for conception Partners planning to conceive should schedule a pre-pregnancy consultation with their health care provider for planning the pregnancy and general physical check-ups. A medical history for both partners is important in order to elicit any genetic or health problems that may affect the health of the couple as individuals or pose a risk to the baby. The mother-to-be should be screened for anemia, sexually transmitted infections, diabetes and kidney disease. She should have a cervical (PAP) smear if she has not recently had one and her blood pressure will also be checked. Now is a useful time to ensure all immunisations are up-to-date as some preventable illnesses, German Measles for example, can have serious consequences on the development of your unborn baby. Conceiving a bit later in life In recent years many more couples are postponing parenthood and planning conception in their late thirties and forties. Though most couples over 35 do experience successful pregnancies, there are certain things to keep in mind. Conception over-35 may take longer as fertility gradually diminishes after this age. The woman may also be slightly more susceptible to complications of pregnancy including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and miscarriage. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities in your child, such as Down’s Syndrome, also increases along with maternal age. The advantage of having children later in life is that you will probably be more stable and settled emotionally, financially and in your relationship. These factors will certainly count in your favor when facing the challenges of new parenthood! When you can’t fall pregnant Sometimes things don’t fall into place as you’d hoped and planned. Keep in mind though, that most couples don't conceive straight away. It is normal for a few months to go by with no sign of pregnancy and a certain amount of persistence is often necessary. Six out of ten couples will conceive within six months of discontinuing contraception, but the majority of remaining couples find it takes a little longer to conceive. This is also quite normal. Our Fertile XX and Fertile XY herbal remedies are natural aids to increasing fertility and improving the chances of conception and have helped many couples to conceive even under difficult circumstances. Of course some couples may have certain physical problems that prevent conception and may need medical attention or even surgery before conception becomes possible. You should consult your health care provider if you have been trying to conceive for a year or two without success. How to improve your chances of conceiving Pay attention to your health as described above and specifically stress, caffeine intake and smoking. Above all make love often. Regular sex improves your chances of falling pregnant - especially around the time of ovulation - which is about 14 days before the next menstrual period is due or half way through your menstrual cycle. How can BabyNature help before conception? The following products from BabyNature have been formulated for use during the preconception stage.
BabyNature wishes you lots of luck on your new journey! Remember that we are there for you now and throughout your pregnancy and first few years of your new baby's life. You will find lots of information on the BabyNature website and are also welcome to make use of our free Ask Us email service - with trained health consultants always available to answer your questions and give support.
Michele Carelse M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure and is not a substitute for a professional consultation with a medical or health professional. Do not make any changes or additions to your prescription medicine without first consulting your doctor. Should symptoms persist, please consult your doctor. Feelgood Health, 23 Constantia Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town. P.O. Box 735, Plumstead, 7801, Cape Town, South Africa. Ph. (+27) -21 7970193, help@feelgoodhealth.co.za |
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