 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
» Begin taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid as
soon as you stop contraception and continue until
the 12th week of pregnancy. Folic acid helps in
the development of the baby’s spine.
» Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit,
vegetables, and protein-rich food such as fish,
poultry, and whole grains.
» Exercise regularly
before and during your pregnancy. Walking, swimming,
and water aerobics are exercises that can be performed
throughout your pregnancy. Drink plenty of water
and listen to your body – if you are breathing
too fast or feel too tired then slow down or stop.
» Stop smoking.
When you smoke, unsafe chemicals get into your baby’s
bloodstream which makes it more difficult for oxygen
to reach your baby. Babies of mothers who smoke
tend to be smaller, are at risk of being born premature,
may develop respiratory distress syndrome, and are
more likely to succumb to sudden infant death syndrome.
» Eliminate drinking
alcoholic beverages. Alcohol affects fertility in
both men and women. It can cause your baby to be
born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other birth
defects.
» Check with your
doctor before taking any medications including over-the-counter
medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, antacids,
or cold remedies. All street drugs should be avoided.
Mothers addicted to drugs such as heroin or cocaine,
may deliver babies who are also addicted.
 |
|
|
|
|
Planning to Conceive
If
you and your partner are trying to conceive then
we can provide tips, advice and will support you
every step of the way from baby’s conception
to detecting early signs of pregnancy!
When you are trying to conceive it might feel
like a lonely struggle, rest assured however that
you are not alone. You can listen to what other
men and women say about their infertility, talk
about help if you are having trouble trying to
conceive and get conception tips from others in
our "Members Tips" section.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy
There are several things you
can do to increase your chances of conceiving and
to prepare your body for pregnancy.
» Wait approximately six weeks to three months after
discontinuing birth control pills to give your uterus
time to sufficiently rebuild its lining.
» Have a complete physical to check your overall health.
Review your medical history with a doctor to determine
if you have any medical conditions or if you are
using any medications that may adversely affect
your chances of getting pregnant or the well-being
of you or your baby.
» Discuss with your doctor how to determine when you
are ovulating so your chance of fertilization is
at its maximum.
Continued
on right column »
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
