When you are trying to get pregnant or first find out that you are pregnant, there are so many people telling you what you should or should not do that it can become quite confusing. If in doubt, talk to your doctor because they can give you the best, and correct, information. As most new mothers, or mothers-to-be, the first few weeks of growth are the most important part of the baby’s life so you should be careful what you eat. This also pertains to the couple, both mom and dad, who are trying to conceive.

To help prevent unintended health related issues, birth defects, and to help with the mobility and health of the sperm, produce and vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides need to be avoided. Some of the most contaminated produce that you should avoid are apples, peaches, bell peppers, strawberries, lettuce, celery, cherries, carrots, pears, and imported grapes. If you just have to have them, eat organic.

Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit with folic acid while you are pregnant and when you are trying to conceive. These could include dried beans, citrus fruit, spinach, peas, and broccoli. In the early stages of a baby’s development, if you have enough folic acid you can help prevent neurological defects, but do not go overboard and have too much. Talk to your physician to see how much you should have.

In addition, you should slow down on the amount of animal fat you are eating because these types of products can contain antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and chemicals like DDT, or other pesticides. These all can accumulate in animal fat, and then transfer to our own fat. When you are buying any type of meat, dairy, or poultry, look for low fat options. Make sure that you trim all the fats and skin away before you cook them. Broil all meat if possible so the fat will drain away, but do not fry the meat because that locks in the contaminants.

Be careful of the plastic dishes you use and avoid the ones that are numbered PC 1, 3, 6, or 7 as they may contain chemicals that are suspected of causing harm to the fetus. They also suggest that you only eat food that is fresh, frozen, or packed in glass jars because cans have a plastic resin that has a hormone-disrupting chemical. This also goes for canned beverages.

These are just some steps you can take to help your baby before it is conceived and afterwards during the first few weeks of development. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.