8 tips for pre-pregnancy health

It's never too early to start getting your body and mind ready for a healthy pregnancy and an even healthier baby. So keep these things in mind when planning ahead and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

• When you start considering having a child with your partner, visit your doctor. Discuss preconception health and give the doctor your full family and personal medical history.
• Your gynaecologist needs to know everything - even the most insignificant details - as even the smallest thing could affect your pregnancy.

• It goes without saying that drinking and smoking during pregnancy are out of the question. What most women don't know, however, is that it's also vital to stop smoking and consuming alcohol during the preconception months.
• The earlier you clean and detox your body, the sooner it will be ready for a pregnancy.

• The importance of eating well, long before you even start trying for a baby, cannot be stressed enough. Although it might not help you conceive, it will prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy down the line.

• Aiming for a reasonable healthy weight during the preconception months is highly advised. Being underweight or overweight can affect your hormones, making it harder to conceive.
• Decide on a balanced diet and get your body to a healthy weight as soon as possible.

• Folic Acid is a type of vitamin B that is found in green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits. It plays a very important role in cell growth and it is available in tablet form as well.

• Avoid contact with anything toxic, such as bug sprays, fertilizers, synthetic chemicals and other substances that might damage your reproductive system.
• Even slight exposure during pregnancy can lead to sickness. During the preconception months, you should try to keep the exposure to a minimum as well.

• It is important to focus on treating your mind just as well as your body, but especially during your preconception months. If you're planning a pregnancy, take some time to look after yourself and establish how you feel about life and becoming a mother in general.

• Staying fit when planning a pregnancy is just as important as regular visits to your doctor. Stay active without overdoing it - walk, cycle, swim, dance.
• Light aerobic exercise will help with back problems and swelling, not to mention it will make it easier to keep a healthy weight while pregnant.