Planning a Healthy Childbirth Begins Before Conception

Preparation for conception and childbirth is perhaps one of the most important strategic elements in a womans life. Supporting the bodys reproductive functions through nourishment and lifestyle can certainly make a difference between a healthy baby and one with problems. When a woman becomes pregnant, mothers-to-be and their partners traditionally make changes to their lives — such as avoiding risky behaviors — to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. But couples looking to have a baby should know the decisions they make now could influence the outcome of a conception and pregnancy. Experts recommend that women considering pregnancy should schedule a pre-conception counseling session with a physician or healthcare practitioner at least six months before conception. Traditionally patients are seen by OB/GYN practitioners when they are nine weeks pregnant. By that time a baby’s organs are basically formed and it may be too late, especially if the mother has been taking too many medications, or if there are medical issues that may affect the pregnancy. What to Do-and Not Do-Before and During Pregnancy First, women looking to get pregnant may need to adjust their eating habits to achieve a favorable body weight. Eating right is important throughout a persons life, but it becomes all the more critical when planning a pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet (particularly one filled with fresh fruits and vegetables) will help give them the nutrients needed to conceive and enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Eating basic, simple food, and choosing fresh foods over processed foods are all commonsense measures that need to be implemented long before conception. Women should be particularly mindful to get plenty of folic acid, a vitamin common in green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, citrus fruits and whole-grain breads and cereals. Numerous studies have shown that women who increase their folic acid intake before and during pregnancy decrease the chances that their baby will have spina bifida. Women taking oral contraceptives need to consider nutritional factors in their health prior to conceiving. Oral contraceptives have been shown to deplete certain vitamins from the body, and it is interesting to note that these wasted nutrients may be responsible for some of the side effects of the drug. There are a number of reported depletions of vitamin C and B vitamins in patients taking "the Pill." Included in these depletions is folic acid. Folic acid deficiency in women is the subject of several studies that has prompted the FDA to issue a warning about low levels of folic acid and the occurrence of neural tube defects. Other B vitamins depleted by oral contraceptives include vitamin B-2, B-12, B-5, and vitamin B-6. Lets consider how this may affect users. Vitamin B-6 depletions may cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and irritability. These are among the considered side effects of oral contraceptives. Vitamin B-2 losses may also show symptoms of headaches and dizziness. Vitamin B-12 depletions are linked to anemia, chronic fatigue, drowsiness and headaches. These problems also occur in patients taking oral contraceptives. Women taking oral contraceptives should consider supplementing their diet with a good B-Complex formula. Other depletions that may occur with contraceptive use include calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Experts suggest that women consider using a mineral supplement as well, to offset these depletions and safeguard against future problems with bone and muscle health. We hope that this article has prompted you to seek more information about your medications, nutritional supplements and how to support your body before and during conception. Nutritional Supplements for Pregnancy Some studies indicate that zinc may help increase infant weight and head size during pregnancy. Zinc is also important for proper immune function of both mother and child. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, prevents neural tube and other birth defects early in pregnancy. A growing fetus needs folic acid in large amounts even before most women know they are pregnant. Dietary calcium intake must be high during pregnancy, to provide for the developing fetal bone structure and prevent bone loss from the mother. Magnesium may be helpful for relieving leg cramps and restless leg syndrome experienced during pregnancy. Vitamins C and E may help reduce the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension (high blood pressure). Note: All actions during pregnancy should be under physician supervision. Before supplementing, women should consult with a physician about existing health conditions, medications, and other supplements to determine if interactions or contraindications may be present. For more information, talk to your physician or pharmacist.