Baby Making

Your health before pregnancy is just as important as your health during pregnancy.  Let me explain some of the preconception health pointers which will help you during pregnancy.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet includes eating a well-balanced diet with foods from each of the four food groups. You should avoid eating too many excessively processed foods and consider a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.  The period before pregnancy is not a time to try radical new low carbohydrate diets or other fat diets.  If you need to lose weight before getting pregnant, consider seeking the advice of a qualified nutritional therapist or your health care provider.  They may offer recommendations about losing weight safely and maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy. 

Women who are overweight may have a bit more difficulty in getting pregnant than women who are normal weight.  A qualified nutritionist or health care provider may also recommend additional vitamin or mineral supplements to help promote your fertility.  Some may suggest for example that you use supplement with additional essential fatty acids to help promote your fertility.

It is also important when considering pregnancy that you evaluate your dieting history. A history of eating disorders for example may affect your fertility. Some people have difficulty absorbing minerals and vitamins in their diet. Even if you have a history of poor eating habits you can change them to help promote the health and well-being of you and your unborn baby. Many pregnant women report feeling better than ever after conceiving, as for the first time in their life they are eating to nourish their body rather than simply eating for the sake of eating. 

Physical Health

Your health care provider can evaluate your health and that of your partner to ensure that underlying factors may not be inhibiting your chances of getting pregnant. 

Common causes of infertility include exposure to STD's, vaginal infections, hormonal imbalances and other general health problems including auto immune disorders.  Your health care provider can rule out any problems you may have and test you and your partner for fertility problems if necessary.

If you suffer from recurrent miscarriages or irregular cycles, your doctor may suggest a treatment protocol to help promote your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Your Age

Your age will affect your ability to get pregnant.  Women older than 35, have more difficulty conceiving that women who are younger. Some physicians recommend that women overage 35 undergo routine screenings every several month to explore their fertility.

Your medical history

Your doctor will explore your medical history including your fertility history to decide if you are at risk for fertility problems.

Your knowledge of pregnancy and fertility

Your doctor will discuss your fertility with you and help answer any questions you may have regarding your cycle.  Your doctor can suggest various methods for pinpointing ovulation and suggest measures to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

The above factors if timely considered will help a lot in achieving pregnancy much earlier and easier.