Preconception Health and Medicine

 
While many new mothers may believe that the nine months of pregnancy are the most crucial time for a healthy lifestyle, this is not exactly true. Many instructors of alternative medicine describe a critical period of thirteen months spanning from two months before conception through nine months of pregnancy, ending with two months after the baby's birth. During this critical period, it is essential for both the mother and the father to achieve and maintain a healthful way of life in order to ensure the health of the baby.

While trying to conceive, the mother should ensure that she is consuming a diet rich in minerals, vitamins and other natural nutrients. If at all possible, artificial food additives, pollutants and genetically modified foods should be avoided. Organically grown produce is a healthy alternative to the supermarket fruits and vegetables often sprayed with pesticides. While good nutrition is important, it is equally as essential for both men and women to break bad habits, such as smoking and drinking, at least 3 months before trying to get pregnant.

Potential fathers are not exactly free from responsibility when it comes to preserving their reproductive health. Many food additives and industrial chemicals can lower sperm counts and decrease male fertility. Now, more than ever before, men are being exposed to increasing levels of female hormones through the recycling of municipal water systems. Waste products from women taking oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy accumulate in purified tap water and eventually can alter the hormonal balance of males who consume tap water. As a result, it is best for men to consume spring water during the months before conception, in order to improve chances of conceiving a child.

The following is a list of healthful tips for expecting mothers and fathers to follow before conceiving their child:

Tips	Alternative Medicine Recommendation	Conventional Medicine Recommendation
Take an antioxidant supplement	Herbal antioxidant with rosemary or sage	Vitamin A, C and E
Men take vitamin supplements for healthy sperm	Eat two oranges daily	500 mg of Vitamin C
Take zinc supplements	Eat adequate amounts of pumpkin seeds which are high in zinc	Consume in capsule form
Reduce alcohol consumption		Less than 2-3 glasses of wine a week
Avoid food additives such as growth hormones or antibiotics in cattle and poultry	Eat organic foods
Avoid contact with artificial chemicals such as pesticides and solvents

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