Get Baby-Ready
If you are thinking of having a baby there are
many things you can do to help the process along and be sure you are as
fertile as possible. The saying "you are what you eat" certainly applies
at this important time and by eating more of certain foods and less of
others, you will give your body all the vitamins and minerals it needs
to be in perfect condition for a baby. Here are the top five tips on how
to get your body baby-ready.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Everyone knows that drinking while pregnant is a recipe for disaster,
not to mention extremely irresponsible. However, not many mums-to-be
know that drinking alcohol while trying to get pregnant is also a bad
idea as alcohol may be linked to lower fertility rates. The odd glass of
wine won’t hurt but, to be safe, it is best to avoid alcohol
altogether. If you are trying to conceive there is also always the
chance that you could have already succeeded -- so leave that glass
alone!
Cut down on caffeine
As a general rule, two cups of coffee a day contain an acceptable
level of caffeine -- any more and you could be compromising your
fertility. Women consuming more than this each day may have reduced
fertility and some believe that women should cut out caffeine completely
just to be sure.
Eat iron-rich foods
It is not just an old wives' tale that women need more iron when
pregnant. Rather than wait until you are, start eating iron-rich foods
now so that your body has as much as it needs to carry a baby. Every
month women’s iron levels deplete when they have a period, so it is
important to make sure you stock up on red meats and iron-rich
vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
Cut out processed foods
Refined carbs, foods high in sugar and unhealthy food in general will
put an enormous strain on your body as they contain such low amounts of
nutrients. Although eating these foods doesn’t actually lower your
fertility, it does mean your body is getting hardly any of the vitamins
and minerals it needs every day to stay healthy. Without a healthy body
you may find it harder to conceive, so nutrition should be the first
thing you think about if you want a baby.
Take folic acid
This is one of the most important supplements a woman can take to get
her body ready for pregnancy as folic acid can prevent neural tube
birth defects such as spina bifida. It is best to take 400 mg every day
while trying for a baby right up until you are 12 weeks pregnant. After
this time consult your doctor to see whether you should carry on taking
it or not.
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