PHYSICAL READINESS FOR CONCEPTION


On a physical level, preparing for a pregnancy is in some ways like pregnancy itself: eat well, get lots of rest and plenty of exercise.[1] It is also important to take folic acid in supplement form.[2],[3] Though supplements are not always the preferred way of getting nutrients, folic acid has been shown to help prevent neural tube defects in daily amounts above 0.4 mg a day or more,[4] amounts not usually available in regular a diet. Because folic acid is important at the very beginning of the pregnancy, at times of rapid tissue growth, it is important to have enough store in the body before pregnancy is noticed. If your diet has been poor, you may also consider doing a diet cleanse or a fast before trying to conceive, which one should not do when pregnant.

PRE-CONCEPTION

Preparing for conception

Physical readiness for conception

Lifestyle and attitude

Beauty and cleaning products

Cleaning


Detail of the Triumph of Galetia

by Raphael Santi

Birth of Venus (detail) by Alexandre  Cabanel

Because each pregnancy is different and some women don't have much energy or have nausea the first months of pregnancy, it is important to eat well and be fit before conceiving. It's a good idea to be at your optimum weight when you conceive, since being both over and underweight can have a negative impact on the baby, and being fit can be a great help during the pregnancy in reducing typical symptoms, increasing general wellbeing and for decreasing the delivery time in labour.[5] Find something gentle to do and refrain from pushing yourself too hard, and remind yourself that a key part of exercise is enjoyment.


See Diet and nutrition in pregnancy

 

[1] Davies, Gregory A. L., MD, FRCSC, et al.. Exercise in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. JOINT SOGC/CSEP CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE No. 129, June 2003, researched August 2009 <http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/public/129E-JCPG-June2003.pdf>

 

[2]Folic Acid. Public Health Agency of Canada www.publichealth.gc.ca, September 2008, researched July 2009 <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/know-savoir/folic-folique-eng.php>

 

[3] Scholl, Theresa O. and William G Johnson. Folic acid: influence on the outcome of pregnancy. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 71, No. 5, 1295S-1303s, May 2000,

researched July 2009 <http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/71/5/1295S>

 

[4] Wilson, R. Douglas, MD, FRCSC. The Use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Congenital Anomalies. SOCC Clinical Practice Guidelines, No. 138, November 2003, researched August 2009 <http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/public/138E-CPG-November2003.pdf>

 

[5] Jacalyn J. Exercise Guidelines and Recommendations During Pregnancy. from The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout The Lifespan. Humana ress, Springerlink.com, 2007, researched August 2009 <http://www.springerlink.com/content/q68q7062m7211053/>

 

WELCOME     ABOUT    PRE-CONCEPTION     PREGNANCY     PREPARING FOR BIRTH    BIRTH    THE FIRST MONTHS   

CLOTHING AND CARE FOR THE BABY     THE FIRST YEAR    FROM ONE TO THREE    RECOMMENDED READING, LINKS   ARTICLES

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Copyright © Julie Le Gal Brodeur 2009         Updated July 28, 2010