Having a Baby Preconception

Having A Baby

Preconception:

A Guide for Couples Planning

To Start a Family

DRS PETTIGREW, POLDING + |HENDERSON

You can maximise your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and labour if you are fit and healthy to begin with.

There is growing evidence that a baby’s health in later life is linked to the health of its parents just before conception.

A baby’s organs begin to form within 17 days of conception.

If both parents make sure that they are as fit and healthy as possible before trying to conceive, they can

Optimise the chances of conceiving

Reduce the risk of miscarriage

Improve the chance of carrying a baby to full-term and

Increase the likelihood of delivering a healthy baby.

Bear in mind that most couples don’t conceive straight away. It is normal for a few months to go by with no signs of pregnancy.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Contraception:

If you are on a hormonal contraception, switch to a barrier method 3 months prior to trying to conceive.

Working out your most fertile time:

Working out your most fertile time and ensuring that you make love each day around those dates will increase your chances.

Women mostly ovulate only once a month. The most likely time for conception is 14 days before you would expect your next menstrual period to arrive. This means working out how often your period comes and counting backwards. You should also check your vaginal discharge – when it has a gluey consistency you are at your most fertile. You can also monitor your body temperature so that you are aware of the most fertile times in your cycle.

Your doctor/practice nurse will be able to advise and assist you.

Men:

Men should give up smoking, reduce their alcohol intake and take steps to reduce stress levels. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise these measures will increase your overall fitness and are good ways of showing support to your partner. Keep Cool: Sperm is made at slightly below body temperature so don’t spend too long in a hot bath. Wear boxer shorts to improve the circulation around your testicles and keep them cool.

Stress:

Take steps to reduce stress. Stress can cause hormonal changes in the body and can lead to fertility problems through anxiety.

Rubella:

Have your status checked – your doctor will advise you.

X – Rays:

Avoid X – rays especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Saunas and Hot Tubs:

It is possible that prolonged high temperatures can affect the early brain development of the unborn baby. Avoid saunas and hot baths & tubs at the moment.

This allows the natural cycle to re-establish itself and vitamin and mineral levels to return to normal.

IUCDs should be removed 1 month prior to trying to conceive.

Smoking:

Smoking reduces both male and female fertility. If you stop smoking your baby is

Less likely to be premature
Less likely to have breathing problems
Be better able to resist infections
Be less at risk of cot death, infection and chronic conditions such as asthma.

Diet:

Basically eat as healthily as possible – Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, wholegrain bread and cereals. AVOID LIVER, VITAMIN A, SOFT CHEESES AND PATE. Adhering to a healthy diet will ensure that you have adequate stores of nutrients to meet your own and your baby’s needs during pregnancy.

Exercise:

Exercise regularly but not to excess.

Weight:

Conception will be easier and less likely to lead to problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy if you are within the normal weight range for your height. If you are overweight, take steps to reduce your weight prior to trying to conceive. Your doctor/practice nurse will be able to advise you.

Alcohol:

Excess alcohol can reduce fertility, increase risk of miscarriage and affect your baby’s development. Heavy drinking can lead to smaller and more vulnerable babies.

Folic Acid:

Taking folic acid decreases the risk of spina bifida. It should be taken for 3 months prior to conception and up to 12 weeks gestation. The recommended dose is 400micrograms daily (or 5mg if there is a family history of neural tube defects). Folic acid is found in dark green vegetables (e.g. spinach, broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts and peas), bananas, oranges, grapefruit, some

fortified bread and cereals, milk, yoghurt and yeast extracts (taken either as a drink or a spread).

Other Supplements:

Ideally, if you are eating a healthy and balanced diet you should not need a vitamin and mineral supplement other than folic acid. However, if you do wish to take a supplement, then choose a specially formulated pre-natal multivitamin and mineral supplement. These are more likely to provide nutrients in balanced amounts and not in high doses that may be dangerous to your health and that of your baby. Your doctor/practice nurse can discuss this with you.

Prescribed Medication:

Your doctor /practice nurse will discuss any concerns you may have regarding any prescribed medication that you may be taking.

Recreational Drugs:

Any drugs can affect your fertility and your baby’s development. NEVER use recreational drugs during the time you are trying to conceive or during your pregnancy.