How to be the healthiest you can be, before, during and after pregnancy. – Part 1.
THE PRECONCEPTION CHECKLIST
DETOX YOUR WORLD “Clean up your environment as much as possible before pregnancy,” says Gabriela Rosa, fertility expert and naturopath. “Exposure to radiation, heavy metals, pollution and
chemicals can have a negative impact on the development of the egg, sperm and embryo.
STOP SMOKING – NOW “Smokers are at an increased rate of infertility,” writes Dr Sandra
Cabot, author of Infertility: The Hidden Causes. She notes that research has shown that
even exposure to secondhand smoke can disrupt your efforts to conceive.
LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL Many a baby has surely been conceived after a good bottle of
red, but if you’re actively trying to get pregnant, watch your alcohol intake. “Women who
drink usually take longer to conceive than women who don’t,” writes Dr Cabot. “Even women
who drink five or fewer drinks a week.”
SEE A FOOD EXPERT Overweight? Now is the time to act. “You shouldn’t start a diet
regimen when pregnant so it’s important to get yourself in peak health now,” says Kate Di
Prima, spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia. A food expert will also be
able to tailor your diet to enhance your chances of conception
Focus on your health before pregnancy
FOCUS ON FITNESS Exercise is essential for health. “It’s about having a good baseline
of fitness,” says Jane Simons, a physiotherapist who specialises in women’s health. “If you can walk up a few flights of stairs without puffing, you’re probably in good stead for pregnancy.”
POP SOME VITAMINS “At conception, the nutritional status of the mother makes a
significant impact on the health of the baby,” says Pam Stone, director of education at
Blackmores. “Td recommend a pre pregnancy supplement for at least six months before
conception – that’s enough time to correct particular deficiencies.”
GET YOUR PARTNER IN SHAPE Your partner’s health also has a considerable bearing
on conception success. “Ideally the man should follow the same diet as the woman,
reducing caffeine and alcohol, and eating fresh food,” says Stone, who adds that zine –
found in oysters and chickpeas – is particularly important for healthy sperm.
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