Preconception
The weeks before you conceive can be every bit as important for a healthy pregnancy as the nine months you’ll be carrying your baby. Now is the time to get as fit and healthy as you can so you can start off your pregnancy on the right foot. Kick any bad habits like smoking, cut down on your alcohol intake, get plenty of exercise and, of course, eat a healthy, well balanced diet.
Ideally, you don't want to be underweight or overweight at this time because that may affect how much weight you gain during your pregnancy. For more information on planning a pregnancy, speak to your GP or health visitor, or contact your local health promotion unit.
- Calcium
- Eat plenty of calcium before you conceive to strengthen your frame for the added weight it will be carrying and ensure your body's reserves are sufficient to help your baby's teeth and bones develop.
- A healthy balanced diet
- The best preparation you can have for a healthy pregnancy, a balanced diet gives you everything your body needs to make a baby from conception to full term.
- Healthy eating on a budget
- Eating well doesn't just make you healthier - it can also make you better off! Follow our tips and advice on eating properly before pregnancy and watch the pennies at the same time.
- Folate
- The nutrient everyone knows is important to conception and pregnancy, folate is found in a wide variety of foods. In the run up to conceiving though, you could benefit from adjusting your diet to include more folate rich foods, or from taking folate supplements.
- Iron
- Pregnancy increases your body's demand for iron, so make sure yours is properly prepared by including plenty of it in your diet. Read more about foods that are rich in this essential mineral.
- Supplements
- Used to support rather than as a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet, vitamin and mineral supplements can help you prepare your body for the changes ahead during pregnancy… although there are some kinds you should avoid at this critical stage.
- Weight management
- Before you get pregnant, try not to lose or gain too much weight. Most people put on weight naturally during pregnancy, but excessive weight gain can affect your blood pressure and health. Ideally, your BMI should be somewhere between 20 and 25.