Immunisation

This is important especially if you get vaccinated say against rubella (German measles), which can endanger the foetus, says Dua. Ask your doctor for a blood test if you are not sure of your status.

Exercise

If you have not been leading a very active lifestyle, Dua suggests that you start exercising with say brisk walking for half an hour three to four times a week, will make you feel better and more comfortable. It's a good idea to begin an exercise programme before you get pregnant.' Not only will your stamina and muscle tone improve, which may be important in childbirth as well as in the first weeks post-delivery, it may go a long way to avoiding niggling troubles such as constipation.

If you have had a miscarriage or aborted pregnancy in the past, leave a gap of at least six months before planning to conceive again.
 
Shorter than average?

Not much you can do about this one; but as Dua notes, if your height is less than 4'10", the chances of surgical delivery increase due to the smaller pelvic girdle. It is worth discussing options to natural childbirth and how you would like your doctor to proceed if you find yourself in difficulties, so that both parties are prepared and no disappointment or unnecessary distress ensues.

For Daddy to take note of…

Vitamin C

This is particularly important for the father to protect the DNA passed on to your baby though his sperm. Two different studies reported improved fertility in men given supplements, but eating your oranges and amla religiously will do fine.

Zinc

This is important for fertility in both sexes and the key to sperm count and motility as well as testosterone levels in men.

Selenium

This one, says Swinney, you need to get just right as both too much and too little affect male fertility. This is micronutrient, so the mineral is only really needed in trace amounts. It is plentiful in seafood and whole grains. But you probably needn't worry about an overdose unless you eat fish all day, every day…

Eating Expectantly

In her book, Swinney suggests getting used to the following pattern of a balanced diet before trying for a baby:

• 6 or more servings of starches and grains daily
• 3 or more servings of fruit and 3 or more servings of vegetables daily, including at least 1 fruit or vegetable rich in vitamin C (citrus fruit are easy) and 1 rich in vitamin A (carrots or coloured capsicums, perhaps?)
• 120-170 grams protein daily
• 3 or more servings of calcium-rich foods, ideally dairy products

Author : Manidipa Mandal (Freelance Journalist)