Preparing your body for pregnancy

Reduce alcohol consumption

Everyone knows that drinking while pregnant is a recipe for disaster, not to mention extremely irresponsible. However, not many mums-to-be know that drinking alcohol while trying to get pregnant is also a bad idea as alcohol may be linked to lower fertility rates. The odd glass of wine won’t hurt but, to be safe, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you are trying to conceive there is also always the chance that you could have already succeeded -- so leave that glass alone!

Cut down on caffeine

As a general rule, two cups of coffee a day contain an acceptable level of caffeine -- any more and you could be compromising your fertility. Women consuming more than this each day may have reduced fertility and some believe that women should cut out caffeine completely just to be sure.

Eat iron-rich foods

It is not just an old wives' tale that women need more iron when pregnant. Rather than wait until you are, start eating iron-rich foods now so that your body has as much as it needs to carry a baby. Every month women’s iron levels deplete when they have a period, so it is important to make sure you stock up on red meats and iron-rich vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.

Cut out processed foods

Refined carbs, foods high in sugar and unhealthy food in general will put an enormous strain on your body as they contain such low amounts of nutrients. Although eating these foods doesn’t actually lower your fertility, it does mean your body is getting hardly any of the vitamins and minerals it needs every day to stay healthy. Without a healthy body you may find it harder to conceive, so nutrition should be the first thing you think about if you want a baby.

Take folic acid

This is one of the most important supplements a woman can take to get her body ready for pregnancy as folic acid can prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. It is best to take 400 mg every day while trying for a baby right up until you are 12 weeks pregnant. After this time consult your doctor to see whether you should carry on taking it or not.

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