Free Brochure Helps Women Plan For Pregnancy
Choosing to become pregnant is one of the most important decisions a woman can make, and it requires forethought and planning. Helping women prepare for pregnancy is the goal of a free brochure, “Steps to Pregnancy - A Woman’s Guide to Pre-Pregnancy Planning.” It is available from First Response Co., makers of home diagnostic kits.
Four months before trying to conceive, a woman should avoid excess alcohol consumption and quit smoking, the brochure suggests. Studies show women who smoke are less fertile than nonsmokers and it takes them longer to become pregnant when they try to conceive.
Also during this time, a woman should choose healthy foods, maintain her current weight and reduce stress. The literature suggests she schedule a medical checkup and inform her doctor about her desire to become pregnant. Together, they should discuss her medical history, prescription medications, birth control and any health problems that may affect fertility.
The current demographic trend of delaying pregnancy has resulted in many women finding it difficult to become pregnant when they want to. Recent studies show it may take months for healthy women in their 30s and 40s to become pregnant. For 30 percent of those in these age groups, it will take a year or more to conceive.
To increase a woman’s chance of conception, the brochure gives a concise explanation of the reproductive process and explains when ovulation occurs. It also provides questions for a woman who is having fertility problems to consider.
In addition to offering the brochure, the First Response Co. sells the 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Test ($25) to detect when a woman is ovulating and predict the day she is most likely to become pregnant, and the 1-Step Pregnancy Test ($12) for at-home use. Both are available at drug and discount stores. To order the pregnancy planning brochure, call (800) 367-6022.
Prenatal-to-preschool memory book
Celebrate your pregnancy by recording important prenatal memories: doctor visits, food cravings, baby showers, ultrasound photos…
A new book makes it easy. “Kiddy Chronicles, My Very First Biography from Pre-natal to Pre-school” is a colorful keepsake album, written by Dania Lebovics ($14.95, Firefly Books).
The scrapbook has colorful pages with fill-in-the-blanks to register mom’s pregnancy records, baby’s important “firsts,” a growth chart, medical and dental history, an immunization schedule, a letter to baby, and more.
Also included are practical checklists for baby’s nursery needs and mom’s hospital stay, and tips on choosing a pediatrician and instructing a baby sitter.
The spiral bound book is durable and expandable for years of memory-recording moments. It’s available in Spokane at B. Dalton Bookseller, The Children’s Corner Bookshop, and Auntie’s Bookstore, and in Coeur d’Alene at the Book & Game Co. To order by phone, call (800) 387-5085.
, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.