Sunday, February 1, 2009

Prepping for Pregnancy


1. Get a prenatal check-up --- six months to a year before you plan to conceive. If you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking any medications, ask your doctor how they might affect your pregnancy.


2. Take your vitamins. Start about three months prior to concpetion to build up a good supply in your system before pregnancy. Don't go overboard with the vitamins though. Some can be toxic in high doses.


3. Give up your vices. Both smoking and alcohol consumption increase risk of miscarriage, low birthweight, birth defects, and other problems.


4. Get to your ideal weight. Women who are at least 35 percent above their ideal weight are more apt to have very large babies.


5. Eat a well-balanced diet.


6. Start exercising. You want to prime your body for labor with workouts that strengthen your heart and tone your muscles.

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