Preconception exercise

The first six months prior to conception is vital in terms of having the female and male bodies in optimum condition. This can be achieved through good nutrition and exercise.

The most important time in pregnancy is the first four to eight weeks when most of the baby's vital organs are forming. Therefore the importance of stopping smoking and drinking and getting a good exercise and nutrition routine going are so important before the conception.
     
Exercising within the first six months prior to conception can help relieve the stress for couples who are trying to get pregnant and can help prevent gestational diabetes in women once they become pregnant. Having a well balanced regime consisting of cardiovascular exercise, weight training, eating regularly and healthily and getting adequate sleep will contribute very positively to the conception. It is advisable for athletes and those who exercise at a high intensity to moderate their training in order for their bodies to be optimally balanced in order to conceive. Highly intensive training can disrupt this balance as the body can be depleated in essential minerals and vitamins due to over training.

For more information on pre and postnatal nutrition and exercise, see pages under "Mum".