Now that the idea has been firmly (or vaguely!) planted in your mind, we must traverse you through the few essentials that baby planning requires. Just a little bit of precaution and care can make a world of a difference to your baby. To begin with, some studies indicate that it takes more than nine months to give birth to a baby. It is important getting your body ready for pregnancy.
It is important to remember that preconception health and prenatal care are important because they are things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chances that your unborn baby will be healthy. The process of getting your body prepared for pregnancy might take as much as a few months for some women. However, other women may need a little longer to prepare their bodies.
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How To Get The Body Ready For Pregnancy?
It can sometimes seem that the process of trying to conceive is an overwhelming one. Sometimes, it may feel as though things are largely out of your control. However, there are several factors that are within your control. Here are a few steps that help your body to get ready for a healthy pregnancy:
1. Get A Complete Health Check-Up Done
Preparing your body for pregnancy three months prior to conception is ideal for a healthy pregnancy, according to the experts. So start with getting a complete health check-up even if you have had a fairly healthy life and regular periods. The idea is to have a doctor’s opinion right at the beginning of this life-changing journey for you and your little one.
Your health check-up may include:
- A check-up of your reproductive system
- A complete blood test, including a hemoglobin test
- Thyroid check-up (having a properly functioning thyroid gland is very essential for a normal pregnancy and for a baby’s development)
- Check-up for diabetes, blood pressure, etc.
- Adult vaccination/s that you may require or any other test that your doctor may prescribe
2. Know Your Cycle
A conscious pregnancy can be attained if you are constantly checking your cycles and zeroing on the days you ovulate. Your chances of getting pregnant on timing sex with ovulation increase multiple times. Read about how to track your cycle here.
3. Work On Your Lifestyle
Once you have received the green signal on the health front, you need to consider the lifestyle changes that are required for a healthy pregnancy. If you are a party animal, you need to exercise restraint.
4. Quit Smoking And Drinking
Go absolutely smoke and alcohol-free. Some experts may tell you that very mild drinking once or twice a week may not be harmful. However, you should consider giving drinking a complete toss as whatever choices you make now have the capability of affecting your baby for the rest of her life.
Smoking is also very injurious and you should stay away from active and passive smoking completely. In short, give street drugs, alcohol, and tobacco a complete miss. For those of you who need help in giving up alcohol or tobacco or drugs, do not hesitate to take professional help.
5. Clean Up Your Diet
Dietary changes can also help you in reaching a healthy pregnancy. Include greens, veggies, fruits, and nuts in your diet. Cut down on fast food and fatty foods. Limit your caffeine intake, redesign your carb intake and opt for healthy viable choices. Include fertility-enhancing foods in your diet.
6. Make An Appointment With The Dentist
Your dental problems which have been underlying need prime attention now – dental problems can cause preterm deliveries and underweight babies.
7. Exercise
Though this should be a part of your routine ever, do make it a point that you start exercising the moment you think of having a baby. Exercising helps reduce stress, makes you energetic, controls constipation, and makes way for an easier labor. Take care of your back, the literal backbone of your pregnancy.
8. Take Vitamins And Supplements
Another important dietary intake is that of folic acid. You should start taking supplementary folic acid three months prior to conception. Folic acid helps in reducing the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect. Consult your doctor for the prescribed dosage of folic acid. It is good to take multi-vitamin supplements but again, do so only after consulting your doctor. It is a good idea to reduce the extra flab as you would add on additional weight during pregnancy.
9. De-Stress Yourself
Cut down on stress and start relaxing more. Practice yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Read, write, watch movies, get plenty of sleep and try harmonizing the atmosphere at work and home.
10. Enjoy Sex
Do not view sex as a medium of having a baby! Enjoy your sex, let it flow naturally and do not time-bound it. Infant, when you plan a pregnancy, you can add that extra zing in your sex life by trying various positions and enjoying it.
11. Plan The Financials
Babies are expensive, so it is indeed a good idea to plan finances in order to not be caught unawares. Work on your expenses and budgets, consider life without having two salaries, restrict impulsive shopping and get the money in order.
Give your body the rest, care, and nourishment that it needs. For workaholics, it is advised to cut down on office work and to start working on your body, mind, and health. Get that extra sleep. Read that refreshing novel. After all, your happiness matters to you, and from now on it will also matter to the baby you are planning to bring into this world.
FAQ’s
1. What Does Folic Acid Do When Trying To Get Pregnant?
One month before trying to conceive, the CDC advises women to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. By doing so, it can build up in your body to a level that will protect your future baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
2. How Far In Advance Should You Prepare Your Body For Pregnancy?
Start focusing on your health at least 3 months before you consider trying to become pregnant if you are thinking about getting pregnant. You may need a longer period of time to prepare your body for pregnancy if you have any health conditions that might interfere with your pregnancy.
