Why start planning before conception?
When a woman misses her period, she may already be two weeks pregnant. If she waits before calling her doctor, she may not get medical advice on pregnancy until eight to ten weeks after she has conceived. It may be several weeks before a doctor can see her and start advising her on how to provide a healthy start for a new baby. Studies have shown that the first 12 weeks after conception are critical for the fetus. The period of greatest sensitivity for the developing fetus is between the 17th and 56th day (2 to 8 weeks) after conception, when the fertilized egg attached itself to the uterine wall and begins to grow. It is during this period that the fetus’ cells organize and differentiate themselves, and vital organs begin to form. The fetus is extremely vulnerable during this time – a time when you may not even know you’re pregnant. That’s why it’s important to start planning before you conceive, so that even during the first weeks of your pregnancy you’ll be giving your baby the best
