Foresight has put together a thoroughly researched pre-conception programme, which identifies and addresses various areas of concern in the health in any pair of prospective parents to optimise the health of both prospective parents before conception. We have found this results in strong sperm and ova and the embryo can implant and develop under optimum conditions in a healthy uterus, with no danger of damage from nutritional deficiency, toxins or disease.

Over the years, Foresight has found that under these conditions it is possible to have uncomplicated pregnancies resulting in strong, healthy and perfectly formed babies, even in many couples who may have previously experienced the distress of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, unexplained infertility, post-natal depression, health problems in the child, and other problems relating to conception, pregnancy and birth.

The full Foresight Preparation for Pregnancy programme addresses the following six areas of health in the prospective parents:-

1. Nutrition

It is essential that both prospective parents eat an excellent diet for at least four months before conception. Couples are given the Wholefood Diet Leaflet. The Foresight Wholefood Cookbook (£7.00) is available by mail order from Foresight. The dangers from food additives are explained. Foresight can provide a booklet for the handbag called "FIND OUT" (£1.60) and a summary by Tuula Tuormaa: The Adverse Effects of Food Additives on Health (60p). Couples are advised to buy organic foods whenever possible. The Foresight Branch secretaries can give a list of local organic suppliers. We advise filtering the drinking water to avoid toxic metals, agrochemicals and excess chlorine and oestrogens. See The Main Principles of Nutrition.

2. Alcohol, Tobacco and Street Drugs

Both partners are fully informed of the dangers of smoking, alcohol and street drugs to the health and development of the sperm and ova, and to the future foetus. Both partners are advised to abstain for at least four months prior to conception. The summaries by Tuula Tuormaa: The Adverse Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Reproduction (60p) and the Adverse Effects of Alcohol on Reproduction (60p) can be supplied by Foresight. See The Dangers of Alcohol in Preconception. See The Dangers of Smoking in Preconception. See The Dangers of Drugs in Preconception.

3. The Oral Contraceptive Pill, and other exogenous hormones

Where the woman has been using the contraceptive pill or the copper IUD, the effects on nutritional status are explained. Mineral levels are tested and corrected. (The pill lowers zinc, manganese, vitamin A and the B-complex vitamins.)

Natural Family Planning by fertility awareness, with the use of barriers in the fertile phase, is suggested as the method of choice. Instruction in Natural Family Planning can be given. Foresight can provide a leaflet and the names and addresses of local teachers can be provided by the branch secretary.

4. Genitourinary and Other Infections
Both partners are checked out for the following infections:

Genito-Urinary Infections:-
Gonorrhoea
B.Strep.
Chlamydia
Heam.Strep
Enterococcus
Klebsiella Anaerobic bacteria
Staph. Aureas.
Heam. Influenza
Mycoplasmas
E.coli.
Gardnerella
Candida
Ureaplasmas
Strep Millerii
Herpes

Other:-
Toxoplasmosis
Cytomegalovirus
Rubella immunity

Many people may be more familiar with the term sexually transmitted disease (STD) than genito-urinary infection (GUI), however we prefer referring to these infections as those of the genito-urinary type. This name not only avoids the stigma of the more familiar name, but is in fact more correct, as not all of the infections listed above are sexually transmitted, and many of them may be present (with or without symptoms) in couples who are in a stable, long-term relationship with no history of extra-marital or extra-partnership affairs.

In a recent survey of both partners in a London clinic, 69% were found to have at least one of the conditions listed above. In another survey 81% of the women were found to have one or more conditions. These can often be a symptomless infection that will only be activated by the hormonal stimulation of pregnancy.

Untreated, the conditions can lead to infertility, a series of miscarriages, or to premature and sickly babies. Chlamydia in particular can lead to eye conditions and pneumonia, which can result in permanent damage to the retina or lungs. American studies have linked it to otitis media and gastro-enteritis. The UK government is considering introducing a screening programme for Chlamydia Trachomatis, as a means of combating the disease.

Foresight can provide a summary: "The Adverse Effects of Genitourinary Infections with Particular Reference to Fertility and Preconceptual Care" by Tuula Tuormaa (60p).

[NOTE:- In the UK, many large hospitals have Genito-Urinary Clinics, where it is possible to be tested for the above mentioned G.U.I.'s, with or without referral from your g.p. or other practitioner, and anonymously if you prefer.]

5. Sub-Optimum Mineral Levels

6. High levels of Toxic Metals and Trace Elements

Foresight provides laboratory facilities for hair analyses to establish the presence of excess heavy (toxic) metals or the shortage of essential trace minerals.

Where essential trace elements are shown to be below the optimum for healthy foetal development we give a programme of supplementation for a stated period, then retest. Similarly, where the toxic metals are above the threshold level for safety for foetal development, we give a cleansing programme of Vitamin C, Garlic and Vitamins B1 and B12 until they are within the safe limits.

The supplement / cleansing programme is adjusted and repeated until levels compatible with a healthy pregnancy are achieved. This usually takes 4 - 6 months.

Following the full programme, the pregnancy can be started with a normal, strong sperm and ova, the embryo can implant in a healthy uterus and can develop in optimum conditions. There will be no danger from nutritional deficiency, or damage from heavy metals or other toxins or viral and / or bacterial disease.
Foresight has found that under these conditions it is possible to have uncomplicated pregnancies resulting in strong, healthy and perfectly formed babies.

More information about the programme outlined above is given in the books:- Preparation for Pregnancy by S.G.Bradley and N. Bennet and Planning for a Healthy Baby by S.G.Bradley and B.Barnes, and the Foresight booklet: Preparation for Pregnancy (60p). Foresight welcomes enquiries. See also Trace Elements and Preconceptual Care.

8. Allergy and Parasites

This may include asthma, eczema, migraine, insomnia, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease or parasitic infestations such as giardia lamblia. With dietary manipulation or antibiotic treatments before conception, a lot of medication that is contraindicated in pregnancy many be avoided. Where parasites are eliminated the absorption of essential nutrients will be much improved. Where the history reveals a chronic problem likely to be incompatible with a healthy pregnancy, specialist help is sought.

9. Electromagnetic Pollution / Geopathic Stress

see Understanding Geopathic & Electromagnetic Stress