Want to hear the patter of tiny feet?

Our Health Expert, Francesca, brings you our Busy Girls quick guide to preparing your body & mind for pregnancy...

No room for size zero

If you're under or overweight, look at correcting this for a start. If you are overweight you may think you have a regular cycle, but may not be ovulating regularly. It's also important to manage your weight before pregnancy to try & avoid some of the problems that obesity during pregnancy can cause. Most of all, please don't try to lose weight during pregnancy.

Eating for two?

Good nutrition is essential to improve your chances of becoming pregnant but mainly to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Try to eat a balanced diet & avoid excessively sugary or fatty foods. Sorry Busy Girl, but a MacDonalds for lunch won't cut the mustard!

Acid attack

Start taking folic acid supplements straight away. Research has shown that women who take a daily supplement prior to conception & during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious birth defect like spina bifida by up to a whopping 70%.

Don the leotard & leg warmers

Exercise is a great way to get into peak condition & will give you more energy. You'll also be better equipped to manage your changing body shape & have more stamina to help you during delivery. Take it easy & don't over do it, but make sure you're getting out into the fresh air as much as you can.

"I'll have a sparkling water, please"

It's best to limit or avoid alcohol, not only for conception purposes, but also as it may affect the foetus before you even realise you're pregnant. During pregnancy, no more than one glass of wine 2-3 times per week is advised.

Check you out!

Arrange a check-up with your GP or well woman clinic so you can get your immunity checked for rubella & if you're not immune, to arrange a vaccine. You need to know if you're immune to rubella because having this illness during pregnancy, could result in miscarriage or multiple birth defects. It's always good to get a health check before you conceive, so you can avoid any troublesome illnesses whilst carrying your little one.

Good luck Busy Girl & do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes,

Franci x

The information above is meant as a guide & should not be substituted for general medical advice or professional medical opinions - if in doubt, always refer to your GP.

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