Diet before pregnancyIf you’re planning on having a baby, there is a lot more to consider besides choosing a name and finding the right spot to put the crib; the mother’s health is of prime importance. Creating a human being is no easy task, so getting off to a good start is crucial. The best time to start is before the baby is even conceived.

For nine months, the mother will be the entire universe as far as the baby is concerned; a bond that is both physical and emotional. However, even before the baby is conceived pre pregnancy health is essential. While kicking a smoking or caffeine habit during pregnancy is certainly noble, waiting until pregnancy means that your baby will also experience the withdrawal symptoms. Sound pre-pregnancy nutrition along with quitting bad habits in advance is the best way to ensure the least amount of stress upon the child.

Pre-Pregnancy Supplements

Over-supplementation can be just as bad as having a vitamin deficiency. Choosing a quality prenatal vitamin that offers the required amounts of folic acid, calcium and iron is often best.

Obtaining 400mgs of folic acid each day helps to reduce congenital disorders like spina bifida, neural tube defects, recurrent miscarriage, preterm delivery and babies with low birth weight. You can get folic acid by eating foods like dried beans, dark leafy greens and fortified cereals but your body may not absorb as much as you need without supplementation.

You should also get at least 1200mgs of calcium each day by eating calcium rich dairy products and dark leafy vegetables. Regularly eating beef, chicken and fish is a good way to introduce more iron into your diet.

Pre-Pregnancy Planning

To adequately prepare for motherhood plan on eating right, getting plenty of sleep and quitting consumption of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or any illicit drugs. You may also need to gain or lose weight in order to reach the best body mass for conception; a body mass between 20 and 26 is believed to be perfect. Anorexia and bulimia as well as obesity all have negative impacts on the body’s ability to conceive a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a unique situation in womens health and needs to be given the full consideration it deserves. A mother’s choices impact both her health and the unborn child’s as well. Sacrifices made during this time can make a big difference towards giving the baby a healthy start that will benefit them for the rest of their life.