Preparing for Conception: Nutrition

Filed in archive Pre-Conception , Pregnancy and Nutrition on September 16, 2008

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Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Tomaz Levstek

Pregnancy taxes the body so if you're planning to get pregnant soon, better start preparing way before you plan to conceive. By taking care of your body, you help make it a healthy environment for your future baby to grow in. Here are some tips from the American Pregnancy Association in terms of nutrition in preparation for conception:

* Make sure you get at least 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid each day, either from your diet or from a supplement.
* Get at least 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium - the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of skim milk.
* Talk to your doctor about taking a special vitamin for women who are pregnant or are likely to become pregnant.
* Reduce - to no more than 300 milligrams daily - your intake of caffeine, which can affect fertility and the body's ability to absorb calcium and iron.
* Avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and artificial sweeteners.