Your maternal instincts have kicked in and you are planning to start a family. In looking forward you have thought of everything from due dates to mid-wives, from names to parenting magazines; but have you thought about your body's need to prepare for the best possible conception? If you are anticipating falling pregnant, nutritional changes should be made in the months before conception. To help prepare, Blackmores has taken the mystery out of pre-pregnancy nutrition with their new Blackmores I-Folic^TM, a pre-conception supplement with a combination of iodine and folic acid.

Now is the time to start taking iodine and folic acid because from the moment of conception a woman's nutritional needs dramatically increase. When a woman is deficient in iodine it may take up to 5 months to replenish the body and support a healthy pregnancy.

The role of folate in the body is to help regenerate the red blood cells. If a woman is deficient in folate she may be at an increased risk of giving birth to a child with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.

International authority on iodine deficiency, Professor Creswell Eastman coordinated The National Australian Iodine Study 2006 which measured iodine levels in 8-10 year old children. The results showed that an alarming 70% of Australian children were deficient in iodine, which is vital for normal brain development, eyesight and hearing. "Low iodine levels in the foetus can mean the brain does not get wired properly and can lead to subtle defects in hearing and vision," said Professor Eastman. "Iodine supplements are essential for pregnant women and I recommend that pregnant women take 250mcg per day, the dose that is present in Blackmores I-Folic^TM," Eastman said.

"Almost 100% of pregnant and breastfeeding women do not get their recommended daily intake of folic acid. This causes concern for women who want to give their baby a great start in life, especially when it comes to nutrition," says Blackmores Naturopath and Director of Education Pam Stone. "Women need iodine both while pregnant and breastfeeding, that's why we recommend Blackmores I-Folic^TM which is beneficial for a baby's normal mental development," says Stone.

Olympic gold medallist and mum-to-be Kerri Pottharst welcomed her pregnancy at age 40. "I was delighted to fall pregnant so quickly and easily and I have my fit and healthy lifestyle, along with vitamin supplementation, to thank for such a smooth conception," says Pottharst. "This approach created the healthiest and most nurturing environment possible for my baby, with Blackmores products supporting me in achieving optimum pregnancy health."

When it comes to achieving a healthy, smooth pregnancy, Blackmores will support you every step of the way to help you and your baby get all the nutrients necessary for a bright future.

Blackmores also recommends upon conception a transition to Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding Formula which offers 9 vitamins, 6 minerals, DHA and iodine to cover more of your pregnancy nutritional bases.

Blackmores has a website that has great information on pregnancy and breastfeeding www.blackmores.com.au/pregnancy including a 40 week email guide, pregnancy timeline, due date calendar, belly gallery and more.

Blackmores has a free health advisory service. They can give you nutritional advice and let you know what medications, herbs and supplements to avoid. Pregnancy can be a difficult time for managing your health. Having to eliminate medications you turn to for the most basic health complaints from colds to constipation leaves many women suffering in silence.

Blackmores keep you informed of natural and safe ways to manage symptoms and conditions that may be experienced while pregnant and breastfeeding. Phone: 1800 803 760.

Notes:

• Consult your healthcare professional before use if suffering from a thyroid condition
• Do not exceed the stated dose of folic acid. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect you should seek specific medical advice. Not to be taken with Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding Formula, but when you fall pregnant you may consider switching to this product.
• Always read the label. Use only as directed.