ADVERTORIAL
Angie Jefferson is a registered dietitian and pregnancy expert. Take a look at her simple dos and don’ts to help you and your partner get in great shape for babymaking.
Before you conceive
Do cut back on alcohol. If both you and your partner reduce your drinking, it will improve your chances of conception, helping your body get ready for pregnancy and maintaining his sperm health.
Do take a supplement formulated for reproductive health, such as Vitabiotics Pregnacare His & Her Conception.The dual pack includes Pregnacare Conception and Wellman Conception tablets, giving you the
recommended 400mcg folic acid, as well as providing you both with a broad spectrum of vitamins and
minerals to help support healthy conception
Don’t let your partner wear tight-fitting underwear, as heat can reduce sperm count – loose cotton boxer shorts are best.
Don’t worry too much. It’s amazing how often when women stop actively trying for a baby, they conceive straight away. It’s probably down to being more relaxed, so go easy on yourself.
Do take regular exercise together and most importantly make sure you have lots of sex!
During pregnancy
Do eat a healthy diet, and aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Also include a range of dairy products, dark green leafy veg, beans, pulses and wholegrain cereals, as these are rich in zinc, B vitamins, folic acid and calcium.
Don’t ‘eat for two’. You only need to eat an extra 200 to 300 calories a day during the third trimester (after week 24) – this only amounts to two slices of buttered toast or a bowl of cereal with milk.
Do eat oily fish. Two portions a week will give you plenty of omega-3 DHA, which is important for your baby’s brain and eye development. Taking a pregnancy supplement that contains high purity omega-3 DHA such as Pregnacare Plus, will also help ensure you are safeguarding your diet.
Expert care
Pregnacare Conception, £10.15, and Pregnacare His & Her Conception, £18.35, are both formulated for men and women who are trying to conceive. Pregnacare Plus, £13.25, contains the original Pregnacare tablet with 400mcg folic acid, plus a unique omega-3 capsule providing 300mg DHA, which is sourced from the purest pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Pregnacare Breast-feeding & New Mum, £15.25, contains the recommended level of 10mcg vitamin D3, the full RDA of 700mg calcium and 300mg DHA, plus vitamin K for the months following your baby’s arrival. It also includes a complete spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. All packs provide one month’s supply.
The Pregnacare range is available from Boots, Tesco, Superdrug,
Holland & Barrett, pharmacies and online at pregnacare.com.
