Five ways to prepare for pregnancy

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Dr Kvitova

1 Find ways of reducing stress in your life. Try to shed unnecessary work commitments and reorganize your social life.
2 Go to your GP for a check-up so that you start pregnancy with a clean bill of health, or see if your midwife provides preconceptual advice and information.
3 Redress the balance between work and play, activity and relaxation, your own needs and those of others in your life.
4 Take more exercise and improve your diet.
5 Change habits you know are bad for you such as smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol.

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3 Responses to Five ways to prepare for pregnancy

  1. Sue says:
    August 17, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    I take regular medication for an ongoing condition. Can I continue to do so while trying for a baby?

  2. Sue says:
    August 17, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    And. Is it safe to take over-the-counter medicines during pregnancy?

  3. Dr Kvitova says:
    August 17, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    First. Before stopping contraception, talk to your doctor if you have any condition that needs regular medication (including asthma if you use an inhaler). Your medication may have no known problems, or there may be an alternative treatment approach that can be tried. If your condition requires treatment with drugs that could pose hazards, talking it through with an expert will help you to decide what to do.

    Second. All drugs alter your body chemistry, so treat them with great caution around the time of conception and during pregnancy. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or a qualified alternative practitioner before taking any medication that is not essential to your health. This warning includes over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for minor ailments such as colds and ‘flu, aromatherapy oils, herbal or homeopathic remedies, and vitamin or slimming pills.