When do you start preparing for conception and how?

shirlyn

I would like to start trying for a baby in July after my wedding

Is it too early to start taking folic acids?

What should I be doing?

Teerah

Hi Shirlyn, dont think you need to take folic acid supplements until around about a month before conception and then continue for first three months. I would imagine the best things to do are make sure you eat well, rest well and take regular exercise. (Perhaps easier said than done running up to a wedding though!) Also if you smoke, give up and cut down on alcohol and caffeine closer to the time.

Ted_Hutchinson

Preparing for pregnancy: Your nutritional guide
Preparing for pregnancy - folic acid, exercise, weight and healthy ...
BBC - Parenting - Having a baby - Preconception
Preparing for Pregnancy (booklet)

If you google for Preparing for Pregnancy you will find quite a bit of stuff.
This forum is supposed to be for the moneysaving aspects of health so perhaps if people could ensure their advice is moneysaving orientated the thread won't be closed or moved to discussion.
How much folic acid do I need? What are good food sources of folic acid?: answer
The Healthiest Babies’ Mothers Eat Fish : summary
Pregnancy: summary

can I point out that someone who is pregnant is automatically entitled to free prescriptions and Folic Acid tablets are a prescribable item so once they become pregnant they should not have to pay for them any more.

Gingham_Ribbon

If you haven't done it already, it's a good idea to start an account for things you will need. There are several threads already on the main part of this board on what to buy etc. I wouldn't bother yet but it's good to have some extra funds.

Ted and Teerah's info on the health side is wide reaching so I'd just reiterate that giving up smoking (if you do) is one of the most important health factors to consider.

Other things to consider are how you would like things to be once you have a baby. For example, work commitments and how they will change, where you want the baby to sleep, what kind of nappies you'd like to use and how you both feel about discipline.

Having a baby can be quite a money saver! After all, you'll often be too tired to go out or won't be able to go out because you won't have a babysitter!

Also, I agree with Ted. It'd be good if this stayed on this board.

jenpoptab

Consult your gp, they may be able to offer best advice about what supplements you should & shouldn't take. Check out Tesco/ Sainsburys etc for folic acid, dead cheap about 99p for a month or two supply.

Ted_Hutchinson

jenpoptab wrote:

Consult your gp, they may be able to offer best advice about what supplements you should & shouldn't take. Check out Tesco/ Sainsburys etc for folic acid, dead cheap about 99p for a month or two supply.

ZIPVIT FOLIC ACID 400mg 360 £3.45

Glad

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