2 BECOMING PARENTS HAVING A BABY: PRECONCEPTION HEALTH Preconception health It means knowing how can affect a woman or her baby if she becomes . For example, some foods, habits, and medicines can the baby – even before he or she is . Some health problems, such as diabetes, can also affect . health conditions and risk factors unborn pregnant harm conceived pregnancy Every woman should think about her health she is planning pregnancy not. serious medical problems may put an unplanned pregnancy at greater risk of birth with low-weight babies. . By taking action on health and risks before pregnancy, women can prevent problems that might affect their baby later. whether or Undetected pre-term 1 Experts agree that women need to be healthier before becoming pregnant issues WARM UP • How old were your mum and dad when they became parents? • Do you think people become parents later nowadays? Why? • In your oplnlon, what is the rlght age to become parents? Why? MORE The average newborn's (between 37 and 41weeks) weight is about 3,400 grams. 1 DO Whendoes preconception health begin? Your Fertility 1 posted by How to get ready for pregnancy Women (but also men) should prepare for at least three months before it. Some actions, such as stopping , reaching a healthy weight, or medicines they are taking, should start even earlier. The five most important things they should do for preconception health are: pregnancy smoking adjusting take 400 to 800 micrograms of every day to lower the risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine, including spina bifida; stop and drinking alcohol; be sure their is under control; some conditions that can affect or be affected by it include asthma, diabetes, oral health, obesity, or epilepsy; talk to their doctor about any they are taking; avoid contact with or materials that could cause infection at work and at home and stay away from and . 1. folic acid 2. smoking 3. medical condition pregnancy 4. medicines 5. toxic substances chemicals cat or rodent faeces