Preconception

Planning a Pregnancy

When questioned about the birth of their child, most couples state their only wish is to have a "healthy baby".  However, most couples only begin to consider their health habits and history once they have discovered that they are pregnant.

At this point, the foundation of this baby’s environment has already been decided.  It is now known that the developing baby is very vulnerable in the early days before couples even knows that a pregnancy has occurred. This illustrates the importance of being the healthiest you can be before becoming pregnant.

Planning for pregnancy is a new concept, but a very important one.   It is the first step towards the healthy growth and development of your child.  Prepare your body & your relationship to support a healthy pregnancy.  Follow these links:

Decisions, Decisions Genetics: For the Health of It Good Nutrition Healthy Choices Before Pregnancy: Smoking, Alcohol, and Environmental Hazards Healthy Start Roster Fertility: Waiting for a Miracle Get Active Breastfeeding Living with Stress Prenatal Courses and Resources

Note: The information provided at this web site is made available to the public free of charge. Any duplication for purposes other than personal use requires written permission.

Information from all sections of the preconception web-site is from:

“Planning Ahead For Pregnancy and Parenting: A Practical Guide for Those Planning a Pregnancy”

Authors:

Joanne Enders RN, BScN with Ruth Cordukes RN, BScN
Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Community Health Department

Marilyn Lemon RN, BScN
Grey Bruce Health Unit

Tami McCallum RN, BScN
Regional Niagara Public Health Department

Dianne Sutherland RN, BN
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit

Copyright © 2001.  All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without permission from the authors.

Please note that care has been taken to confirm the accuracy of information presented.  However, the authors cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions from application of the content provided.  With ongoing research in the various topics at hand, we caution the reader to talk to their respective health care professional about their own reproductive health needs.