Eating For Conception

Eating For Conception:

It is of the utmost importance for a woman to have a healthy diet she is pregnant. The benefit it provides for both you and your baby is immense. Did you also know how very important it is to eat well even before you get pregnant? If you are actively trying to get pregnant you have to make sure your body is prepared to accept the challenge. The first thing you should do before even beginning to try is to talk to your doctor to see how you measure up health wise. Does he think you need to lose a few pounds before getting pregnant or does he feel you need to gain a few? Your doctor may recommend that you change your eating habits and start exercising.

As soon as you have decide that you want a baby, you should start to get in the habit of eating healthier foods. Slowly begin to cut down on the caffeine. If you smoke cigarettes, then now would be a great time for you to give that up – instead of waiting until your pregnancy test shows up as positive. Cigarette smoking can decrease your fertility and also heighten the risk of having a miscarriage – if you continue to smoke whilst pregnant.

It is advisable to take prenatal vitamins or at least a multivitamin supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. You can also begin to add food into your diet that is rich in folic acid such as spinach and other green vegetables, peanuts, and orange juice. You can also start by taking a prenatal vitamin also. These vitamins contain iron, folic acid, and calcium along with vitamin C, D, B and vitamins B6 and B12 also.

Reevaluated your diet. Start to eat foods that have plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Lay off the fat and excess sugar. You want to eat foods that have a high nutrient density. Eat at least five portions a day of fruits and vegetables along with protein and iron rich foods like dried fruit, and green vegetables. Try to steer clear of raw fish like sushi, and steer clear of under-cooked shellfish, meat or chicken. You also want to try to avoid fish that has high mercury content like swordfish, shark, or king mackerel. Cut out any food that has unpasteurized milk in it including cheeses such as brie, camembert, and some Mexican cheese. Also cut out foods that have raw egg in it including homemade cookie dough.

Make sure you increase your water intake, if you do not normally drink much. Water should always be your first beverage choice before, during and your pregnancy. Water helps to flush any toxins right out of your system. Once you have had your recommended eight glasses per day, then you can drink fruit and vegetable juices as well.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do before you get pregnant is to cut out all alcohol. The American College of Obstetricians and gynecologists have stated that women who drink might have a harder time getting pregnant than women who do not drink. Another reason why you should give up alcohol is that most birth defects that are caused by alcohol exposure usually occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, usually before you even know you are pregnant.

Getting your body prepared for pregnancy is one of the best decisions you could make. Your body will be more prepared for the challenge of growing a baby and the experience will be a little easier on your body.