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Home › Articles › Improving Your Chances of Conceiving › Six Months to Conception

Six Months to Conception

A Practical 5-Step Plan Toward Pregnancy

By Lisa Marie Metzler

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Easier said than done for most, but it is crucial you stop smoking before conception. Although some substances from smoking are cleansed by the body in a few days, others aren't. In some cases, these harmful substances are stored directly in fat and can take longer to eliminate. To reduce prematurity, low birth weight and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and asthma, stop smoking now.

There are programs specifically designed for women who want to stop smoking before becoming pregnant. Ask your doctor or midwife to see if there is a program in your area. If you are considering using a nicotine replacement product to stop smoking, talk with your doctor. According to Dr. Cole, nicotine replacement therapy studies have not been able to provide a definitive answer to suggest that nicotine replacement products are safe to use while you're preparing to become pregnant or already pregnant.

It may be more beneficial to take the behavioral approach and seek support from loved ones and a counselor. You may be surprised how motivated you are to stop smoking when the goal is a healthy baby.

Step 4: Drop the Drugs and Alcohol


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