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Home › Articles › Preparing for Pregnancy › Conception Planning and Organization Goes a Long Way

Conception Planning and Organization Goes a Long Way

12 Things to Think About When Trying to Conceive

By Jacqueline Rupp

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11. Weight
"If you are overweight, consider consulting with your doctor to begin a weight-loss program," Dr. Mazzullo says. "By losing weight before pregnancy, you dramatically lower your risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure and diabetes."

She says that women who are underweight are also at risk for giving birth to low birth weight babies. If food and weight issues that include anorexic or bulimic thoughts and tendencies exist, then it's important to take appropriate steps with mental health and nutritional experts to get well before you try to conceive.

12. Bad Habits
"Stopping alcohol consumption and smoking are two of the most significant changes you can make," Dr. Mazzullo says. "These two risk factors place your baby in danger from everything from fetal growth problems and preterm labor to low birth weight and respiratory problems."

If you are overwhelmed by all the good health choices necessary to create healthy babies, start with the big ones. Eliminating alcohol and cigarettes from your life would be a great place to start.

"How a woman cares for her body before and during pregnancy has an impact on the outcome of pregnancy," Dr. Bathgate says. "Health during pregnancy and good pregnancy outcomes are often the continuation of a healthy lifestyle prior to pregnancy. At a minimum, stop smoking, avoid alcohol, don't do drugs, eat healthy, exercise and take folic acid."


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