Needless to say, you will want to be in the best shape possible, both physically and mentally, when you conceive. The following suggestions will help you give your baby the best start possible, right from ”day one.”

• Share Your Beliefs
  Many couples mistakenly assume that they will automatically share parenting philosophies. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. How we were brought up, family rituals, and religious issues all affect our perception of parenthood. These topics should all be discussed before you make the final decision to become parents.
• Stop Using the Pill or IUD
  Although conceiving immediately after stopping birth control pills or removal of your IUD will not jeopardize your pregnancy, getting your system back to normal is a good idea. Health professionals suggest you replace these forms of birth control with the use of condoms for three months before trying to conceive.
• Take Care of Yourself
  Eating wisely and exercising regularly are good habits that should be developed prior to becoming pregnant.
• To make sure your body is not lacking the nutrients it needs to make a healthy baby, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat and fish, and low-fat dairy products. (If you are a vegetarian, you may want to consult a nutritionist prior to conceiving.) Stay away from junk foods as much as possible.
• Start Taking Folic Acid
  Making sure you get enough folic acid will greatly reduce the risk of your baby being born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The recommended daily amount of folic acid is 0.4 mg a day while you are trying to conceive and during the first trimester. Your doctor can advise you on the amount of folic acid to take during the remaining months of pregnancy.
• Give Up Stimulants
  Smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages and the use of recreational drugs are all a no-no during pregnancy. It is also wise to rid your body of the toxins associated with these substances well in advance of conceiving. If you are having problems giving up a stimulant, ask your doctor to help you before becoming pregnant.
• Watch Your Weight
  Pregnancy is not the time to diet. If you need to lose weight, you should attempt to do so prior to becoming pregnant. Make sure you lose pounds sensibly by making wise food choices and working out regularly. Crash dieting immediately before pregnancy can result in depletion of essential nutrients that you and your baby will need in the months ahead.
• Seek Prenatal Care
  As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should schedule a visit with your doctor. He or she will be able to advise you on health issues that relate to growing a healthy baby and answer all the questions you are sure to have!

When You Want to Know Fast
If you think you may be pregnant, the chances are you will want to know as soon as possible.

Now, a new pregnancy test available from London Drugs, lets you know if you are pregnant or not before you miss a period.

The First Response™ early result pregnancy test is so sensitive that most women are able to determine results accurately three days before the expected start of their period. The test is simple and convenient to perform and works by measuring the amount of human chorionic gonadotrophin (pregnancy hormone) in the urine. If you are pregnant, the test will show two red lines. If you are not pregnant, only one red line will be apparent.

If you are pregnant, and a celebration is in order, remember to toast your growing baby with a non-alcoholic beverage. 

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