Diet And Lifestyle Changes: Food And Nutrition For A Healthy Pregnancy
Posted by Apurvashree in HealthChances are that you will have to make some diet and lifestyle changes as you prepare for pregnancy. And prepare for pregnancy period you must, because a planned pregnancy can be a dream come true, where as an unplanned one, can be a nightmare.
A Well Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is a must in preparing for a healthy pregnancy. A well balanced nutritious diet made up of fibers, vitamins and starch, green leafy vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits to provide your baby with vitamin C, fortified cereals, and foods rich in folate (supplements of folic acid) are recommended, because they prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord in babies. Also, foods rich in iron and calcium; nuts, dry fruits, bread, milk and yoghurt are good to eat. Avoid drinking too much coffee and raw or uncooked meat. Avoid dairy products and seafood.
Fertility Enhancers
There are certain foods and herbs, which are male fertility enhancers and reduce female infertility as well. Ginseng, flaxseed oil, and palmetto are some of these that enhance male fertility. Vitex, evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil help in reducing female infertility.
No Smoking, Drugs Or Alcohol
When you are planning to have a baby, you and your partner will have to under go some diet and lifestyle changes that you may not like in the beginning, but remember, these are for the good health of you and your baby. Give up smoking, drinking and drugs at once. They can be very harmful and do not create a favorable atmosphere for the baby in the mothers womb.
Exercising For A Healthy Pregnancy
Ask your doctor and start some mild form of exercise, like walking or swimming or some yoga and some deep breathing exercises to bring down your stress levels. Ask your partner to do these exercises together with you. And avoid very strenuous exercises like horse riding or deep sea diving or skiing.
What You Should not Do
You should avoid saunas and hot bathtubs, as this may cause a neural tube defect in the baby.
Avoid contact with heavy metals, radiation, and hazardous chemicals.
Avoid taking any medicines without the doctors knowledge, and inform him that you are preparing for a pregnancy, so that he informs you of medicines that may interfere with your health during this special time.
When Is The Best Time to Have Intercourse.
This is a special time for you. You must definitely have sexual intercourse during the most fertile period. This is the period when the ovum is released from the uterus and is ripe for fertilization. It stays that way for 12 hours, after which, it starts to degenerate. This happens anywhere from the 12th to the 16th day of the fertility cycle, known also as the most fertile period or ovulation period. If you have sexual intercourse before or during this period, there is every chance of you getting pregnant. Of course, there are other factors at work too and that is why we recommend healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle. Do not forget to read good books and articles on the net about having a healthy pregnancy. These will make you wiser and prepare you for the arrival of your little bundle of joy.
It is a beautiful and special time when you start pregnancy planning. You prepare to welcome a new life and start a family. Diet and lifestyle changes become quite the norm. You must also plan the time of your sexual intercourse during your most fertile period, so that you can conceive soon enough. h
