PREPARING FOR YOUR CONCEPTION
When you're considering having a baby it is important to understand how important nutrition and vitamin intake is in your chances of success.
Even at the pregnancy planning stage, it is wise to talk to your doctor.
KEEPING IT BALANCED
A healthy balanced diet includes fresh foods from each of five food groups, and we mean 'fresh'.
Processed, frozen or even overcooked foods don't offer the full benefit of the vitamins and minerals that 'fresh' foods provide.
FIVE-A-DAY
Before/during/after IVF treatment it is recommended to eat as much as 8 - 10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day to ensure you get the optimum amount of trace vitamins and minerals especially Vitamin C, D & E, Folic acid, Calcium and Magnesium.
Consider avocados, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, berries, bananas, pomegranates and oranges. These foods are all excellent and you can add a handful of unsalted nuts (brazil/almond) and unsweetened dried fruits.
PROTEIN IS IMPORTANT WHEN LOOKING TO BECOME A MUM
Studies suggest that a high protein diet increases conception chances, but this isn't conclusive.
However, eating the right kinds of proteins will help you to maintain a healthy balance. Ensure a variety of meat, chicken and fish.
If you're vegetarian ensure you eat additional greens, beans, tofu and unsweetened yogurt.
A BALANCED DIET IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT
Fresh milk, cheese and eggs are all very good. Watch cholesterol levels from too many eggs, but enjoy milk and cheese.
Remember it's the calcium that's important here.
WOMAN CANNOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE
Oats provide slow-release energy and are an excellent breakfast choice. Select whole-grain pasta, rice and bread over heavily processed alternatives as this adds necessary fibre to your diet.
JUST JUICE?
Above all else, pay attention to your hydration – 2 litres of water per day is recommended.
Limit caffeine to a minimum and avoid alcohol as much as possible, while an occasional glass of quality red wine with a meal won't do any harm.
YOUR PREGNANCY PLAN
A discussion with your doctor about your planned pregnancy can address the following issues::
Medical conditions: A thorough medical examination before pregnancy helps in diagnosing any medical conditions that may affect the mother and baby such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anaemia, kidney disorders, thyroid diseases, and heart problems. Your doctor will advise you on certain measures to control them.
Infections and vaccinations: During pregnancy, the mother will be more susceptible to infections that can cause serious birth defects or illness in the baby. Tests are done to determine immunity against diseases such as measles and chickenpox. If the expecting mother lacks antibodies against these diseases, then the doctor will advise vaccination before pregnancy.
Immunization: If the mother is a carrier of the hepatitis-B virus, blood tests will be done to identify the virus and the child will be vaccinated at birth. Vaccination protects the foetus from hepatitis-B infections.
Medications: Women who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will be advised to take certain medications during pregnancy to decrease the risk of the foetus becoming infected with HIV.
Hereditary disorders: In women with a family history of hereditary disorders such as haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, and thalassemia, the chances of a child developing these conditions is increased. Therefore, before planning for pregnancy, your doctor may suggest both mother and father undergo certain tests to identify these diseases.
Diet: Practicing a healthy diet is very important before pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest changes in your diet and include supplements such as prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Your doctor will also advise you to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs as they may affect the baby in harmful ways.
Family health history: Inform your doctor about the presence of hereditary medical conditions and multiple births in the family.
Reproductive history: You doctor will discuss your menstrual history, use of contraceptives, any previous sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections and Pap test results.
Weight: It is always better to have an ideal weight before you conceive. Gaining weight if you are underweight will reduce the risk of having a low birth-weight baby, and reducing weight if you are overweight will prevent the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Workplace and home environment: your doctor will discuss potential hazards to the conception or maintaining a pregnancy, such as exposure to lead or certain toxic solvents, radiation and cat faeces.
Lifestyle: The effect of certain habits like alcohol consumption, smoking and use of recreational drugs on pregnancy will be discussed. You and/or your partner may be advised to stop these habits for a healthy pregnancy.
Exercise: Inform your doctor about the type of exercises you perform or if you don't exercise. Based on this, you may be advised to continue normal exercises during pregnancy until your doctor suggests otherwise.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Planning to fall pregnant? We would advise that you see your general practitioner and possibly obtain a referral to see Dr Alexander
Dr Alexander can offer advice help in your Fertility and Pregnancy Planning. Arrange an appointment now for peace of mind and body www.alexalexander.com.au