On one hand, excess weight can complicate a pregnancy. On the other hand, if you are fiercely dieting while you are trying to conceive, you may be lacking very important nutrients needed to start a healthy pregnancy. Once pregnant, never try to lose weight. Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy helps to protect both you and the baby. Take a general vitamin-mineral supplement and be sure it contains 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Folic acid is needed for healthy brain and spinal cord development very early in the pregnancy.
Starting supplement before you get pregnant will help assure that you have the proper intake of this, and several other important nutrients during the early weeks of pregnancy, a critical time. Unless otherwise advised by your physician, prenatal vitamins with a higher level of iron are not started until the second trimester of pregnancy, since iron will reduce absorption of zinc and may cause stomach upset or constipation. Step 4 Build Your Strength and Fitness 1. Exercise tones and strengthens muscles. This will prepare your body for carrying the baby throughout pregnancy.