Your Pre-Pregnancy Profile
April 2, 2009 by webwordslinger
Filed under Pregnancy
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ARE YOU READY FOR PREGNANCY? LET’S FIND OUT!
ARE YOU READY FOR PREGNANCY? LET’S FIND OUT!
Let’s take a closer look at some of your pre-conception profile to illustrate just why your doctor needs this information.
Are you currently attempting to conceive?
Many different elements of your health can affect your fertility, including your height, weight and your lifestyle. That is why it is so important you take time out of your life to assess your overall health. If you are overweight, talk with your doctor about losing some weight before conceiving. Weight problems, whether you are overweight or underweight, may impact your ability to conceive. You may for example, experience ovulation problems if you are underweight. Your doctor may recommend you work with a nutritionist so your body is again, in tip-top shape before you even think of conceiving. Are you getting regular exercise? If not, you might consider starting an exercise program before you conceive. Regular exercise will help promote a faster labor and delivery as well as recovery. Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy often also feel less stressed than women who do not. As an added bonus, the less stress you feel, the more likely you are to conceive!
Caffeine: While a small amount of caffeine (1 small cup a day) may provide a much needed lift for pregnant moms, in general caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy. High amounts of caffeine consumption have been linked with birth defects and increased risks of miscarriage.
Remember that caffeine is present in many every day food items including chocolate, tea and soda. To play it safe you should avoid caffeine entirely during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. Daily caffeine intake of more than four to seven cups of coffee a day appears to double the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.