Grossly underweight or overweight men and women have reduced fertility and higher miscarriage rates. Pre-conception nutrition care is especially important for the following groups of women.
* Those who are underweight or overweight. Nutrition counselling should ideally be given 3-4 months before the intended time of conception. This will give them time to work towards an acceptable body weight and build up stores of nutrients in their bodies.
* Women with established diabetes or other chronic diseases.
* Women with a history of poor pregnancy outcome.
While planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs inappropriately as important stages in your baby's development start right after conception.
