Getting pregnant the healthy way
Do you want to get pregnant?
Then it is important that both expectant parents adopt a healthy lifestyle. Preferably even before stopping birth control. This is because it takes some time for the waste products to be out of the body. So start healthy living on time. Preferably at least three months before stopping birth control.
Everyone who is pregnant has a small chance of having a child with spina bifida or cleft palate. By taking folic acid (0.4 mg daily), you can reduce the risk.
If you start taking folic acid four weeks before pregnancy, you have a 70% lower chance of having a child with such an abnormality.
It is best for both expectant parents to stop drinking alcohol before pregnancy.
Male alcohol consumption affects sperm quality. There will be more sperm abnormalities, reducing the chance of pregnancy and increasing the risk of miscarriage. After stopping drinking alcohol, it takes about three months for sperm to return to full health.
For women, the safest choice is not to drink alcohol at all before and during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause birth defects and brain damage.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it is better to quit smoking. Both smoking and second-hand smoke are harmful. Therefore, it is important for both parents to quit smoking. Smoking reduces fertility, increases the risk of having a baby with growth retardation, premature rupture of membranes, club feet and cleft palate. Also, loosening of the placenta may be a result of smoking during pregnancy.
If you are taking medication, it is advisable to check with your treating physician before you become pregnant whether the medication is safe to use during pregnancy. When this does not appear to be the case, there is often the option of changing the medication or stopping it temporarily.