Preconception Questions

[FigureGal2B]

hey everyone!
My fiance and I plan on trying to have a baby next year after our wedding. What kind of things could I do for me and my fiance to get our bodies "baby ready"? Is there certain vitamins a man should take? I heard that women should start taking folic acid before they start trying, is this true?

[Erik]

Men should take folic acid too.

Doesn't just help with the whole spina bifida avoidance, but it also helps with actual conception.

[pixie]

Yes, you could start taking otc prenatal vitamins or just supplement with extra Folic Acid. I highly recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.

I didn't know it was helpful for men to take folic acid, too, good tip, Erik.

[Audrey]

I would start taking a pre-natal multivitamin at least 3 months before you start trying. If you do not want to start with a pre-natal multivitamin, at least make sure you are supplementing with folic acid or getting the appropriate amount through your current multi (at least 400 mcg; the recommended dose during pregnancy is 600 - 800 mcg). Taking folic acid before conception reduces the risk of neural-tube defects such as spina bifida.

And the book that pixie recommended is a great book. It will help you chart your cycles so that you know when you are the most fertile.

Vitamin C, zinc, and folic acid are also important for men to make healthy sperm.

[Meadows]

Omega 3 DHA is also good for men. It has been shown to increase sperm concentration, daily output, number of morphologically correct sperm and progressive motility in other mammals. I think there has been a study in men, but I can't seem to locate it...

[Noel Clark]

Omega 3 DHA is also good for men. It has been shown to increase sperm concentration, daily output, number of morphologically correct sperm and progressive motility in other mammals. I think there has been a study in men, but I can't seem to locate it...

I think this is a magic pill :lol:

I swear it is good for just about ANYTHING :)

[Erik]

Omega 3 DHA is also good for men. It has been shown to increase sperm concentration, daily output, number of morphologically correct sperm and progressive motility in other mammals. I think there has been a study in men, but I can't seem to locate it...

Unfortunately not all studies show this.

But fish oil is always a smart thing to take regardless.

[bcmom]

I took L-arginine while ttc. Men can take it too - but stay away from it if you are prone to cold sores.

[meyerkatt]

:bannana:have sex?:love81: or sorry make love????

[FigureGal2B]

wow! Thanks for the replies, it was very helpful! Fish oil does wonders!!