The Health of Your Baby and RelaxationAfter a pregnancy or a conception has been confirmed, often the first question an expectant mother asks relates to the health of the baby. Usually it is far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, yet there are certain steps that we can all take before conception, that will help to reduce the risks of defects in our own born babies. One of these is to consume regular quantities of folic acid, this article talks about the importance of folic acid before conception, as well as other tips that are known to improve the chances of conception. Firstly, folic acid is a vitamin B supplement and is used to reduce the risk of spina bifida and neural tube defects. The recommended daily amount for women to take pre conception is 0.4 milligrams a day, this will reduce the chances of defect by as much as 70%. Planning your diet and fitness prior to becoming pregnant is very important to maximize your physical and mental health during pregnancy. This planning begins way before conception and involves taking a look at the types of food you are eating and the supplements you need to take. Some women prefer to plan their food intake with food that already contains folic acid, such as cereals, pasta, bread and flour. While others are happy to use special pill supplements. Conception, is it all in our head? Interestingly, when we are trying to become pregnant, it is as though our brains are constantly thinking about conception. We never stop reading about conception, the best time of the month, what to eat, what to drink and for some, what to wear. This is on top of our usual daily routines, it's actually a small miracle that time is put aside to try and conceive. Our brain is going from the humdrum to thoughts of sex, often without taking a breath, perhaps this is where we could focus to improve our chances of conception? When you were younger, did you ever want something so much that you would work yourself up into a lather until you got what you wanted? Often, it was when we had calmed down, relaxed a little and taken a few deep breaths, that we actually achieved what we set out to do. For some reason, the more worked up we, the less our body seems to hit those home runs. Let's look at it another way. Which is better? Making love to your partner the minute you both get home from work, still carrying the stress and strains of the day, or slowing things down dramatically, sharing a slow bath? Perhaps giving each other a soothing massage, taking your time over each other. Most couples (certainly most women) would agree that the second approach would ensure a better reaction from their body's. This is because the mind and body have taken the opportunity to relax, they've both slowed down. Closed one chapter of the day and eagerly entered a new one. There's an old saying in fertility circles, that is that conception is much easier when both couples are relaxed and calm. It's worth thinking about, especially if you're struggling to fit conception into your hectic schedule. Read more of our articles on conception Conception - Improving Your Chances |