Question: My husband and I are planning to have a baby.
Do you have any recommendations that can help us to prepare for a healthy pregnancy? Answer: This is an excellent question.
There is no better time to think about the health your baby than before you get pregnant.
By taking steps to improve your health (as well as your partner's health), you will increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and give your baby a great start in life.
The following is a list of practical suggestions to help you prepare for this important time in your life.
Keep in mind that many of these recommendations apply to you and your partner.

• Address any existing health conditions - It is important to be in the best possible health before you get pregnant.
  
• If you are a smoker, quit - Do not wait until you get pregnant to quit smoking because the harmful cigarette toxins will still be in your system.
  
• Ideally, avoid alcohol for at least 3 months before conception - This will help to ensure that your egg and your partner's sperm will be of optimal quality.
  
• Reduce exposure to environmental toxins - Here are some of the simple things that you can do to keep your exposure to a minimum:
• Eat organic foods that are grown without the use of pesticides
• Reduce or eliminate chemical household cleaning products
• Avoid eating fish that are frequently contaminated with mercury (e.
  g.
  , tuna, shark, swordfish, and mackerel)
• Avoid copper and aluminum cookware
• Don't microwave food in plastic containers
• Don't use pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides in your home, lawn, or garden
• Improve your diet - Reduce sugar and highly processed foods while increasing whole foods.
  
• Eat foods that are high in antioxidants - Aim to eat at least five servings of different coloured fruits and vegetables, as well as a handful of raw nuts and seeds daily.
  
• Minimize stress levels - Stress impacts many areas of health, including hormones and fertility.
  Learn to manage stress more effectively and you will be better prepared for pregnancy and parenthood.
  
• Exercise regularly - This is one of the important things that you should do to improve your overall health before conception.
  
• Nourish your reproductive organs with fertility enhancing herbal tea's - Teas made from red clover, red raspberry, and nettle are particularly beneficial for improving the health and function of the reproductive organs.
  
• Take a high quality prenatal multivitamin and mineral - This simple step can help to reduce the risk of certain birth defects (e.
  g.
  , spina bifida).
  
• Have your homocysteine levels checked - Homocysteine is an important indicator of a healthy pregnancy.
  

Elevated levels in the blood have been linked to infertility, complications in pregnancy, and birth defects.
In addition to the above recommendations, you should consider consulting with a naturopathic doctor to have your nutritional status checked.
If there are any vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies present, these should be corrected before pregnancy.
Your nutritional status at the time of conception is the most important factor influencing the growth and development of your baby.