Pre conceptual nutrition

Pre-conceptional nutrition refers to the nutritional status and dietary practices of a woman (and man) before conception. Adequate intake of energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals—especially folic acid, iron, iodine, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12—is essential to prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. Good nutrition before conception helps prevent anemia, neural tube defects, low birth weight, and congenital abnormalities. Maintaining a healthy body weight, correcting nutrient deficiencies, avoiding junk food, alcohol, and smoking, and adopting balanced eating habits improve fertility, support early fetal development, and ensure better maternal and child health outcomes.