More babies are conceived in January than any other month, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics. So, for anyone thinking of starting a family, sparkling juice drink Shloer has teamed up with independent health journalist and psychotherapist Christine Webber to offer helpful tips to increase your chances of falling pregnant.
Parenting on Female First
1. Get the timing right: Help your chances of falling pregnant with a kit to check exactly when you are ovulating, which should usually fall around the 12th to 14th day of your cycle.
2. Give up alcohol: For years, medical experts have advised women to cut down on alcohol during pregnancy. But the most up to date advice from NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) is for women to avoid drinking altogether - both while they are trying to get pregnant and for at least the first three months of pregnancy.
Alcohol usage is associated with an increased danger of miscarriage and other health risks to the baby. So ditch the sparkling wine and opt for sparkling Shloer instead, available in seven delicious flavours friends and family will enjoy, for any occasion.
3. If you smoke, quit now: There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ cigarette. Also, all women hoping to be mums would do well to avoid smoky atmospheres.
4. Watch what you eat: Get into the habit of consuming nutritious and good food. Aim to eat five portions of fruit or veg a day.
5. Be a fit mum: Get into the habit of exercising regularly. Walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates are all good options for a mother-to-be. You will need your energy when the little one arrives.
6. Take care of yourself: Doctors recommend taking a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid every day from the time you give up contraception till the 12th week of pregnancy, as this can help prevent birth defects. You might also want to eat foods that are rich in folic acid, such as liver, broccoli, spinach, fortified breakfast cereals and brown rice.
7. Make a big fuss of your partner: Men can sometimes feel slightly left out when a woman is very focussed on becoming a mum. Show your man how much you value him for himself - not just as a potential parent. Here at Shloer, we love to cook our man a Sunday roast to show how much we appreciate him, and as an extra treat a glass or two of sparkling Shloer!
8. Finally, enjoy yourself: Once you become a parent, life will never be the same again. So, in the meantime, have a happy time with your friends and family. See films and shows you like, and read your favourite books. Sometimes, women are so anxious to conceive that they forget to be happy with the life they have as a non-parent. Don’t get stressed out. Enjoy this child-free period while you can.
Share your tips for getting pregnant in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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