Conception, vaccinations, healthy diet and Having a Healthy Pregnancy
You probably know there are many things you and your partner can do to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. But did you know you can do so many of them before you actually get pregnant?
With some methods of contraception, such as the male and female condom, the cap, diaphragm, you can start trying to get pregnant as soon as you stop using the contraception.
With other methods, such as the contraceptive pill and contraceptive injections, it can sometimes take a little time for your cycles to return to normal after stopping taking the contraception. You may therefore want to come off the pill a couple of months before you wish to start trying for a baby
Stop taking the Pill – use another method of contraception.
Make sure that you have had all the necessary vaccinations – particularly against rubella (German measles).
Start with a balanced intake of multivitamins, which should contain 0.4mg folic acid.
When you consult your clinic or doctor, mention that you are planning a pregnancy, particularly if you are on medication for a chronic disease, e.g. diabetes, epilepsy or heart disease.
Seek genetic counselling if:
- you are in your late thirties;
- you have had two or more miscarriages;
- you have given birth to a child with a congenital or hereditary disorder;
- there is any history of a hereditary/genetic disease in your or your husband’s family – irrespective of how long ago;
- you and your husband are related.
Since the confirmation of pregnancy is usually obtained only after you are already two or
more weeks pregnant, you ought to avoid the following risk factors now:
Alcohol
Smoking
Unprescribed medicines (inform your sister or doctor that you wish to fall pregnant)
Contact with anyone suffering from an infectious disease, especially rubella
If you make a note of the dates when your period starts, you can get to know the length of your menstrual cycle and get an idea of how variable it is from cycle to cycle. This may help you in identifying your most fertile days, when making love will maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
Click here to access the Clearblue Digital Cycle Calendar and to learn more about tracking your menstrual cycle.
One in two couples could be trying to conceive at the wrong time in the woman’s cycle1. If you want to maximise your chances of getting pregnant in any one cycle, you might want to try Clearblue Ovulation Tests to pinpoint your 2 most fertile days by detecting the surge in Luteinising hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation.
Your partner’s testes are at their best when they are relatively cool. So wearing loose underwear and light trousers and avoiding hot baths can help improve his sperm production. Keeping mentally cool can help both of you too! The less you worry and stress the more likely you are to conceive.
A healthy diet is always important, but even more so when you’re planning to have a baby. Make sure you follow a balanced diet, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, to ensure you are getting enough protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
It’s best to avoid alcohol while trying for a baby and throughout your pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to cut down on drinks containing caffeine. Milk is good though as it’s an excellent source of calcium.
If you stop smoking you’ll reduce the chance of your baby being born early or with a low birth weight. You can avoid second-hand smoke by encouraging your partner to give up too.
Rubella (also called German measles) is a mild illness in children and adults but it can seriously affect the unborn baby. If you haven’t been vaccinated, you should consult with your doctor before trying to conceive.
