According to Claudia Anrig, DC, who is on the board of directors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, it is quite rare that excellent nutritional advice is provided for women who are considering becoming pregnant. As many chiropractors deal in the total wellness of entire families, who better to provide nutritional and healthy lifestyle information to their patients, she says.

Coining the term a “wellness pregnancy,” Dr. Anrig says that lifestyle changes should occur 4 to 12 months prior to conceiving. Advice should focus on a healthy and nutritious diet; the gradual reduction of coffee and diet carbonated drinks; and simply making good lifestyle choices.

Diet recommendations are very simple and really follow the healthy guidelines normally recommended for a pregnant woman. She should have a diet that is high in protein and iron. Dairy products are encouraged as a great source of calcium and protein. Additional proteins and essential vitamins should come from legumes and leafy vegetables. Antioxidants are important with good sources being berries, nuts and avocados.

Caffeine is one item that a woman will want to work to greatly reduce in her diet. This may be difficult for her based on the proliferation of coffees and soft drinks in our society today. However, a woman who wishes to become pregnant should know that a high intake of caffeine is known to decrease the opportunity for conception and slightly increases the likeli­hood of miscarriage in the first trimester, Dr. Anrig points out.

A high consumption of coffee and diet colas would fall into the category of something to start reducing and then eliminating slowly, maybe over a 12-week program aimed at quitting completely when conception is planned. Additional beneficial actions include eating a hearty breakfast, choosing healthy snacks and substituting items like fruit and yogurt for high calo­rie desserts.

These recommendations to a woman to change her eating and lifestyle habits are impor­tant for her and for her future baby. It’s an important step along the way to increasing future wellness for the entire family, says Dr. Anrig. And, practicing wellness before conception is a great place to start.

Source: Oregon Health & Science University. Press Release, November 2007. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/newspub/releases/110707vaccinate.cfm