Although women today are increasingly aware of the importance of prenatal care, fewer are aware that their overall health and nutrition before conception can play a significant role in having a healthy baby. Among key factors are making sure that women are immunized against certain diseases such as measles , which can cause serious birth defects and fetal death if contracted during pregnancy. Equally important is nutrition. Simply by consuming at least 400 mg of folic acid daily, women can significantly reduce their baby's odds of developing a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Minimizing fat intake and ensuring fiber in the diet are also important.
Pregnancy tends to cause constipation and the fiber help regulate bowel movements.
With today's high stress lifestyles and increasing tendency for women to postpone childbearing, it is perhaps not surprising that so many couples have difficulty conceiving. Approximately 5.3 million couples in this country today encounter some infertility problem, but thanks to advances in reproductive science such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, the odds for women who face infertility are better today than ever. But sometimes the answer to some couples' baby quest is decidedly more low-tech. In some cases, learning how to relax and better cope with the emotional stresses of life can play a significant role in a woman's ability to conceive. Other health concerns common among women in this stage of life are the onset of diseases like diabetes and hyperthyroidism, or excessive production of thyroid hormone.