It feels enticing and wonderful to know that you are about to bring a new life into the world. This mixed feeling of anticipation and joy can also get anxious and nervous. If you are thinking about having a baby, starting pre-pregnancy planning is not too soon. Preconception health and health care prioritize the things you may do before and during pregnancy to increase the probability of giving birth to a healthy child. It takes a few months for some people to get their bodies ready for pregnancy, and it can take even longer for other people. Be it your first, second, or third baby, the steps below are necessary to prepare you for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Here’s what you should consider when planning a pregnancy:
1. Have a Pregnancy Parenting Talk
It’s crucial to discuss some of the most important parenting issues with your partner before you start trying to get pregnant, such as how you’ll divide childcare, how you want to raise your kids, working vs. staying at home, and religious traditions.
But remember that you can and might change your opinion about many of these issues as you go along before you freak out over different viewpoints on far-off future issues like whether or not to have your child circumcised, public or private schools, or other things.
Couples should talk about their concerns, expectations, and priorities at every stage of the process, especially when planning for pregnancy.
2. Take Folic Acid
It helps to stop profound birth disabilities that could arise before a woman becomes pregnant. This B vitamin is included in many foods, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans, but most women must take a tablet to get the recommended daily allowance.
Take a vitamin daily to start. If you’re trying to get pregnant, you only need to take the 400 mcg of folic acid present in the majority of multivitamins each day.
3. Invest in Your Health
Before starting a family, a health checkup is advised. Many women aren’t aware that they could have diseases like thyroid problems or diabetes that haven’t been discovered. You’ll feel more assured if you have a GTG from the best doctors for pregnancy before trying to conceive. Your doctor might advise you to:
- Obtain a thorough physical examination (including blood sugar, blood pressure, thyroid, and lipid profile).
- A dental checkup (good oral hygiene is essential during pregnancy, there are chances of pregnancy gingivitis in some women, talk to your dentist beforehand).
- Start by taking some essential vitamins.
- Before and during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the safety of medications you or your partner are taking for specific diseases. One must stop several medications a few months before a woman becomes pregnant to protect the unborn child.
4. Exercise
Before you start naming your baby and setting up the nursery, think about how to prepare your body and life for your little one.
To make pregnancy and delivery easier, get in shape now (even though your waist will temporarily disappear). Try to get in 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise most days. Walking, riding, and swimming are all viable forms of exercise. Or sign up for a prenatal workout class.
5. Visit Your Doctor
Before attempting conception, speak with your doctor about preconception health care. Your doctor may want to ask you about your medical history and any current diseases you may have that could affect your pregnancy. The difficulties you’ve had with previous pregnancies, any medications you’re on, any vaccines you might need, or any precautions you might take before becoming pregnant to help prevent specific birth disabilities may all be topics they want to discuss with you. Bring a list of talking points so you don’t forget anything.
6. Maintain Your Weight
People who are obese or overweight are more likely to develop severe illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, difficulties getting pregnant, and numerous malignancies (endometrial, breast, and colon). People who are underweight run the risk of developing major health issues. It is not short-term dietary modifications that will help you reach and keep a healthy weight; it has to do with leading a life that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk to your doctor about how to get to and keep a healthy weight before trying to conceive.
7. Your Reproductive Health
It is typically advised to visit your gynecologist for a checkup before trying to conceive. If you have been using regular birth control pills, you may be asked to stop using them at least a few months in advance. This implies that you can begin getting ready for conception once any issues have been resolved. To ensure that no problems occur, it is advisable to schedule regular checkups. Regular checkups and new diagnoses should be anticipated throughout the pregnancy.
8. Keep hygiene in mind
Maintaining good vaginal hygiene can increase your chances of getting pregnant and reduce the danger of illnesses “down there.” Pregnancy can make you more prone to infections, so you’ll need to utilize something safe and moderate here.
9. Quit certain habits
You need to reduce your coffee intake, quit smoking, and drink less alcohol before trying to conceive. As you try to get pregnant, your child may be at risk of birth-related problems such as baby birth-death, premature birth, and other malformations if you have certain drugs in your body.
With plenty of information available around you, choose wisely and don’t get misled. It is best to visit a pregnancy hospital and discuss your concerns and fears with the doctors. Ankura hospital has the best doctors where you can discuss your pregnancy and plan everything smoothly.
Read more:- A Working Pregnant Mom? Tips to Help You Out