Week 1
Mum:
Preconceptional health planning is very important. It is suggested to visit your gynecologist and discuss what would be best for you as part of your preconceptional planning. It is very important to start taking a prenatal vitamin of folic acid. This can be found in form of tablets and can be found naturally in liver, fortified cereals or whole-grain breads, dried peas and beans, leafy vegetables, fruit and yeast. Some studies have suggested that folic acid may lower the incidence of miscarriages, reduce the likelihood of a preterm delivery, as well as help prevent neural tube defects.
It is also very important to discontinue any form of chemical birth control, over-the-counter medications and avoid chemicals such as alcohol, tobacco, second hand smoke and x-rays.
Baby:
As the uterus sheds its lining, the hormones are preparing for ovulation, another egg for release.
Dad:
The health of the father-to-be plays a very important role in the baby’s health and development, therefore dads-to-be should also begin watching what they eat and drink. It is ideal to stop smoking and drinking and develop or increase healthy eating habits.
