Interesting article
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Name: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Description: Trying to get pregnant? Going through fertility treatment? Just planning your first or second child? There are many people out there in the same boat to help and listen and share with
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6832
Printed Date: 17 August 2025 at 11:25am Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Interesting article
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Interesting article
Date Posted: 17 April 2007 at 3:47pm
I found this article on the web, its short and very informative about what you can/should be doing prior to conception.
I hope you find it as useful as I have.
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Healthy Habits Before Conception
Copyright 2001 by Lori Ramsey
When should you start thinking about proper nutrition? After you see your first positive pregnancy test? After you visit your doctor for that first prenatal visit? Or should it start before? Way before? Yes, proper nutrition should begin while pregnancy is still a dream, while you are trying to conceive.
Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and excessive caffeine should be halted while trying to conceive. Why? Because if you do get pregnant - the first 2 weeks of pregnancy you won't know it and this is a critical time in the development of the baby.
Actually the first 3 months are critical in the development of the baby. You want your system to be clean from contaminants and better able to help with the growth of the baby. Of course, if you must indulge in alcoholic beverages - you may safely do so during the first half of your cycle - however I would caution against it - for the reason that it may impede conception.
While taking prenatal vitamins are important - so is proper nutrition. Eating all the healthy food groups helps to keep you in optimum health - thus bettering your chances of conceiving. A healthy diet puts you in a state of well being that will benefit both you and the growing baby you will be carrying. Plus, as an added benefit - you will feel better and will probably ward off illnesses better if you are eating right.
It is important to eat foods high in folic acid - as this helps to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. According to the March of Dimes (where you can find more information on the prevention of neural tube defects) - it is important to began increasing your intake of folic acid before conception occurs. While folic acid is one of the main ingredients in prenatal vitamins - you can also derive it from natural foods such as orange juice, green leafy vegetables, beans, fortified cereals and enriched grain products.
Other important nutrients for a healthy pregnancy are calcium and iron. Eating foods rich in calcium and iron not only insures a healthy baby - but insures that your bones and blood will be optimum for carrying and caring for a baby. Dairy foods contain maximum amounts of calcium. If you are unable to eat dairy products - you may need a supplement. Iron is found mostly in enriched bread; prune juice; nuts, including cashews, pistachios, and walnuts; caviar; cheddar cheese; egg yolks; chickpeas; lentils; pumpkin seeds; black-strap molasses; mussels; wheat germ; whole-grain products; and seaweed and red meats.
Speak with your healthcare provider about a good diet plan for preconception and pregnancy. If you are in the planning stages of a pregnancy - then the best time to start is now. Eating healthy now is a benefit that will stay with you a lifetime - especially if it becomes habit.
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Replies:
Posted By: catie
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 12:38pm
I am really annoyed about the comment re drinking alcohol: if you must indulge in alcoholic beverages - you may safely do so during the first half of your cycle - however I would caution against it - for the reason that it may impede conception. . I used to work for the University of Auckland Med school and have done research into drinking during pregnancy and there is clear evidence of babies being born with the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome - which lasts a lifetime - from very small amounts of alcohol, consumed at any time of pregnancy. There is never a safe time and there is no safe amount of alcohol. Sure, some people get away with it - this is because there are a number of other factors that effect the likelihood of damage - but there is no way of knowing if you will be one of the lucky ones.
PS - No offence Sunny - just goes to show you need to be cautious about stuff you read on the web.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 1:11pm
No offence taken but I think you misread the article.
Its not condoning drinking while pregnant they just say the short amount of days prior to your ovulation time is ok.
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Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 3:19pm
She misread the other thread as well... good rant though...
------------- DD1 May 2006
DD2 March 2011
DD3 August 2012
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Posted By: catie
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 5:25pm
Well the paragraph does start with:
"Actually the first 3 months are critical in the development of the baby..."
Which presumably means the first 3 months of pregnancy? But yeah, I guess I just saw the 'safely indulge in alcohol' bit and jumped on the bandwagon
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Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 7:03pm
------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:43pm
I actually had a little giggle to myself catie, you tickled my funny bone! I was wondering who was going to get righteous and tell sunny off without reading hehe!! It is an easy mistake though
------------- DD1 May 2006
DD2 March 2011
DD3 August 2012
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 10:26am
Sorry guys
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