If you’re currently trying to conceive, congratulations on the decision to start a family!
Sure, you already know the biggies: track down your ovulation, take a folic acid supplement, and cut back on the wine. Of course, not all women can prepare for pregnancy and the 50% of women who have unplanned pregnancies will probably have an uncomplicated pregnancy without going through the prenatal checklist. That being said, in an ideal world a healthy woman should see her doctor at least 4 months prior to conception.
Growing a healthy baby means creating a nourishing environment where it can thrive. After all, your body is the vessel your baby will live in for forty weeks and the best prenatal care begins long before egg and sperm meet up.
So, before picking a name and painting the nursery, it’s time to prepare your body for your little bundle of joy.
Get in shape ahead of time
Even though your waist will disappear for a while, exercising before you get pregnant may help your body deal with all the changes that you will go through during pregnancy and labor. Aim for 30 minutes most days to get your heart pumping.
Eat healthy
Soon you’ll be craving ice cream and pickles, but for now following a Mediterranean diet consisting of plant foods, fresh fruit, whole grains, fish, lean meats, unprocessed foods, and healthy fats, is the way to go. Cut back on baked goods, soda, and junk food with empty calories. Also, avoid non-pasteurized foods.
Get a check-up
Schedule an appointment with your GP or ob-gyn to discuss your health and any questions you may have about getting pregnant. Know your family’s genetic history (your health care provider may want to refer you to a genetic specialist if your family has a history of birth defects or medical conditions). This visit should include a blood pressure test, weight check and a Pap smear to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions you may not be aware of. Chronic diseases should be monitored and make sure that the medications that you’re taking are okay for pregnancy. There are certain medications that are preferable to others when you’re pregnant. Long term health problems such as asthma or diabetes should be stable before you get pregnant. Also, get started on your prenatal vitamin to prevent issues with the spinal cord and brain.
Make a quit plan
Quit smoking, vaping, marijuana, and illicit drug use. Limit and decrease alcohol consumption and cut caffeine use to 200mg per day. In addition to eliminating these vices decreasing stress and getting more sleep is important too.
See your dentist
Yes, your teeth should be part of your pre-pregnancy game plan. Research has shown that gum disease increases the risk for pre-term delivery and low birth weight. X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women, so it’s a good idea to get dental work done before you get pregnant.
A healthy mum = a good start for baby. Simple as that.
Source: cosmopolitan.com, healthline.com, news24.com, medicineplus.gov, parents.com, womenshealthmag.com, bswealth.com, webmd.com, bannerhealth.com, thewomens.org.au
