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Pre-Conception Care

Copyright © 2012 myalternativefamily.com

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 01Apr2012 Word count: 661 Viewed: 19 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Having a baby may seem simple, but there is more to it than simply doing the deed (whether via natural or artificial insemination) and waiting for a missed period. While there is no way to guarantee that you will become pregnant, taking proper care of your body before you even start trying to conceive can make all the difference. Aside from making your attempts at conceiving more successful, pre-conception care is necessary to ensure both your health and the health of your unborn child. Proper care can help to prevent any birth defects or unforeseen complications during or after the pregnancy.

Age

In theory, a woman's ideal reproductive age is between 15 and 45. However, becoming pregnant too young or too old, can lead to complications, both physically and emotionally. A girl of 16 or 17 may not be ready for the challenges that motherhood brings, and her body may not yet be fully developed.

On the other hand, an older woman in her forties may have difficulty adjusting to the huge changes that motherhood brings. In addition to this, there are some health risks associated with pregnancies in women older than 35, including a higher risk of the baby developing Down's syndrome.

This is not to say that younger or older women should not attempt to conceive, but it is important to take these things into consideration and speak with a health care provider before making any decisions.

Family History

Family health history should be reviewed before a decision is made to conceive. This is because there are some diseases that run in families, and if you are aware of these things, precautions can be taken to prevent a baby from developing the same problems. Speaking to a health care provider about family health history and undergoing some blood tests will help you to determine the best way to proceed.

Medical History

Before you become pregnant, it is important to identify any existing or potential health problems, such as diabetes, anemia or high blood pressure. How healthy you are when you conceive will determine (to a certain extent) how healthy your child will be.

This doesn't mean that men or women with health problems should not try to conceive. Most of these health problems are easily controllable or curable so they are nothing to worry about. However, leaving these types of problems unchecked before or during pregnancy could lead to complications or prevent you from becoming pregnant, so make sure you get a thorough checkup before you decide to conceive. A healthcare provider will also be able to advise you about which medications are safe to take during a pregnancy.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Nutrition and lifestyle are some of the most important things to consider when planning a pregnancy. If you have any unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking, it is best to give these up before you try to conceive. Following a fixed schedule with enough rest and minimal amounts of stress will also improve your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Following a balanced and nutritional diet is important when trying to conceive. However, most women believe that once they become pregnant they will have to "eat for two," and with this in mind they greatly increase their food intake even before they conceive. This is not necessarily the best way to go about it. Just as being underweight is dangerous during pregnancy, being overweight or excessively gaining weight can also carry health risks.

Research has shown that not many extra calories are needed during pregnancy, although it is very important to change your diet and eat the right things to ensure that you are getting sufficient vitamins, minerals and proteins. Assess your diet to see how you can make it more nutritional rather than simply increasing your food intake. Adding vitamin supplements to your diet can also greatly improve your nutrition.

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