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When should you start thinking about proper nutrition? After you see your first positive pregnancy test? After you visit your doctor for that first prenatal visit? Or should it start before? Way before? Yes, proper nutrition should begin while pregnancy is still a dream, while you are trying to conceive. Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and excessive caffeine should be halted while trying to conceive. Why? Because if you do get pregnant - the first 2 weeks of pregnancy you won't know it and this is a critical time in the development of the baby. Actually the first 3 months are critical in the development of the baby. You want your system to be clean from contaminants and better able to help with the growth of the baby. Of course, if you must indulge in alcoholic beverages - you may safely do so during the first half of your cycle - however I would caution against it - for the reason that it may impede conception. While taking prenatal vitamins are important - so is proper nutrition. Eating all the healthy food groups helps to keep you in optimum health - thus bettering your chances of conceiving. A healthy diet puts you in a state of well being that will benefit both you and the growing baby you will be carrying. Plus, as an added benefit - you will feel better and will probably ward off illnesses better if you are eating right. It is important to eat foods high in folic acid - as this helps to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. According to the March of Dimes (where you can find more information on the prevention of neural tube defects) - it is important to began increasing your intake of folic acid before conception occurs. While folic acid is one of the main ingredients in prenatal vitamins - you can also derive it from natural foods such as orange juice, green leafy vegetables, beans, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. Other important nutrients for a healthy pregnancy are calcium and iron. Eating foods rich in calcium and iron not only insures a healthy baby - but insures that your bones and blood will be optimum for carrying and caring for a baby. Dairy foods contain maximum amounts of calcium. If you are unable to eat dairy products - you may need a supplement. Iron is found mostly in enriched bread; prune juice; nuts, including cashews, pistachios, and walnuts; caviar; cheddar cheese; egg yolks; chickpeas; lentils; pumpkin seeds; black-strap molasses; mussels; wheat germ; whole-grain products; and seaweed and red meats. Speak with your healthcare provider about a good diet plan for preconception and pregnancy. If you are in the planning stages of a pregnancy - then the best time to start is now. Eating healthy now is a benefit that will stay with you a lifetime - especially if it becomes habit. * * *
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