Planning for a baby is a huge milestone in life. But is your body ready for pregnancy? Here’s a list of what you can do in the coming month to prepare yourself for conception. These steps will help you prepare yourself and your body for pregnancy and give you a better chance of having a healthy baby.
See Your Doctor :
- See your doctor or midwife before you get pregnant. Even if you feel you are healthy and ready for a pregnancy, your doctor or midwife can do plenty ahead of time to help you prepare.
- Your doctor or midwife will discuss your current health, your health history, and your family’s health history.
Stop Smoking, Alcohol and Limit Caffeine before planning for a baby
- If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs, you should stop before you get pregnant.
They can: - Make it harder for you to get pregnant
- Increase the chance of miscarriage (lose the baby before it is born)
- You should also cut down on caffeine when you are trying to get pregnant.
- Women who daily consume more than 2 cups (500 mL) of coffee or 5 cans (2 L) of soda that contains caffeine may have a harder time getting pregnant and a greater chance of miscarriage.
Eat Well :
Getting on a healthy preconception diet that includes whole grains, fruits,
vegetables (including green, leafy ones), low-fat dairy, lean protein, and
healthy fat (like seeds, nuts, and avocados) can prepare your body for
pregnancy and give your baby good nutrition as well.
Exercise :
- You don’t need to become a marathon runner or a champion weightlifter, but getting fit can help you carry and deliver a baby with more ease.
- Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, even if it’s just a walk.
- Work on flexibility and core strengthening exercises, as well as for well programmed and prenatal exercise programs.
Live Stress - Free :
- Make your psychological health a priority.
- Banish negative self-talk.
- Take time for yourself.
- Take a childbirth or parenting class.
- Talk to your partner about how you plan to parent.
- Also discuss how you will deal with challenges that might arise.
- Utilize stress management techniques to combat stress and anxiety.
Monitor your weight before planning for a baby
Strategies for taking care of yourself mentally
It’s easier to get pregnant if you are at a healthy body weight, and a good weight can make your pregnancy run more smoothly as well.
Review your health insurance plan before planning for a baby
Your financial health when preparing for pregnancy is almost as important
as your physical and mental health.
Dr.Krutika Bhoir MPT (Women’s Health)
Dr.Krutika Bhoir PT is our Parel Branch head as well as she Chief Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Cura Advanced Physiotherapy. She is also a fitness trainer for Antenatal & Postnatal Females (Pregnant Women’s). In addition to that she takes Scientific Grabhasankaar Classes.