Preparing the body for pregnancy

[Toothfairy]

I have decided that within 6months to a year I would like to be starting a family. I am overweight, I do no excersize and I drink to excess. All of these I am planning to change in the upcoming months but wondered if there was anything else I could do to a) aid conception and b) house the baby in a safe environment for 9 months.
I guess I'm more concerned about having a body fit to be pregnant than actually conceiving, I mean I know folic acid is supposed to be good but are there any foods that I should/nt eat. How else can I prepare for this?

[gossipgirl]

eat plenty of fruit and veg especially leafy greens which naturally contain folic acid.

[Velvetee]

If you get yourself fit and healthy prior to falling pregnant, it will be much easier to get back into shape afterwards and you will also feel more energetic during and after pregnancy.

If you are overweight and in poor health during pregnancy, you are at more risk of developing Gestational Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Pre Eclampsia, which can be life threatening to you and your unborn child.

Start by eating healthily, exercising at least 3 times per week and stop drinking Alcohol. As Gossip said, eat fruit and veg also lean protein like fish and chicken.

When you do eventually become pregnant, you should avoid consuming Nuts, Undercooked meats and shellfish, mould ripened cheeses like Stilton and Blue cheeses. Consumption of Tuna should also be limited and avoid Liver, as it's high in Vitamin A and potentially harmful to the Embryo.

[ganesh]

All of the above really. I didn't take folic acid as it wasn't on the agenda when I was pregnant many many years ago. Try and de-tox (the drink and bad eating) well before.I was ready and I had great intentions for when I was pregnant but it all fell apart because I was SO sick all the way through. The only drink I could take without being sick was coke and I hardly ate anything-still I put on virtually no weight (other than the baby) and she was a healthy 7lb.Good luck,your'e going the right way about it!