There is no doubt that parenthood is one of the most rewarding experiences. It can truly change a couple’s life and fill it with so much joy and love. But to reach that stage you have to first go through the planning stage, which in itself is no easy feat. Because it isn’t just tiny clothes and heart-warming ultrasound images; it involves a lot of preparation. Which is why couples need to understand the importance of family planning before they embark on this journey.
Importance of Family Planning: What You Must Know
Family planning is not just a fancy word to describe the process of getting pregnant. It is meant to protect women from health risks that may occur before, during, or after childbirth.
These include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, miscarriage and stillbirth. Women who get pregnant after the age of 35 are even more vulnerable to health risks, so they should be protected through careful planning as well.
This process can also help couples decide on what is best for their sexual and reproductive health.
As is proved by the voluntary welfare organisation, I Love Children’s (ILC) study. It found that most newlyweds in Singapore consider having children within the first three years of marriage, but they do not think about fertility issues.
In fact, the poll of 1,000 respondents found that more than half knew somebody who had difficulty trying for a first or second child, and nearly 70 percent considered assisted reproduction to be a "magic bullet" that could solve fertility problems. In addition to this, long work hours and job stress were also cited as some obstacles faced by couples in getting pregnant.
Considering all of these factors, the importance of family planning couldn’t be more critical. Whether you are a young couple in your 20s or somebody who is trying after 35, planning is just as important.
But how do you go about it? Let’s find out.
How To Ace The Family Planning Game: Tips For Couples
The first and foremost issue that often stumps the process of planning and conception is-- stress. If you have that off the plate, you can fasten the process of conception. Because as you may know stress alone can also push you towards unhealthy behaviour, which can in turn affect your fertility.
The good news is that even though stress affects fertility, it rarely does in ways that would lead to long-term trouble in getting pregnant.
Which is why you should already work on ways to bring it under control, especially if you are already stepping into the planning stage.
Here are some ways in which you and your partner can relieve stress and conceive faster. And eventually kickstart your planning to conception process.
Pay Attention to Each Other's Health and Fitness
Women who are expecting or planning to get pregnant should try to become more physically active.
Exercise reduces stress, which has been shown by numerous studies to block the best conception efforts, and it helps you to sleep better too.
It is therefore very important to get a fitness routine in place before you get pregnant. One can't ignore that men also need to take care of their health and fitness before they have a baby. If you want to hit the gym and sweat out, take a couple membership, so that both of you can workout together. If you love running or any sport, take that up today.
Healthy Diet
It is important to switch to a healthy diet before you plan to have a baby. A nutritious diet comprises of green vegetables, fresh fruits, water, lentils, and various multi-vitamins.
Try and make your plate as colourful as possible. Cut down on junk and processed foods.
Avoid the consumption of alcohol or excessive caffeine and increase the intake of unsaturated 'good' fats, such as avocados, nuts, oily fish, and seeds.
Couple De-stressing Activities
At this stage when you are trying, it is very important to spend quality time together. It not only helps you both to bond with each other, but also increases your chances of conception. More importantly, this quality time may help you feel less stressed.
However, if you both still feel anxiety, there are several de-stressing activities that you can take up as a couple, such as visiting the spa together. It is believed that just like oxytocin, the body also releases serotonin and dopamine during a massage. These chemicals increase feelings of affection, wellbeing, and calmness.
Thus, a massage can not only boost your mood but can also help reduce stress, and encourage thoughtful conversations with your significant other.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
There are some relaxation techniques that you can practice daily. For instance, waking up early in the morning and doing yoga or some meditation exercises.
Couple yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and contribute to strengthening your bond.
Take a Break
Breaks are very important in life and we need to take frequent breaks for our mental well-being. This is especially true in this post-pandemic life where we’re all cooped up working from our homes. So if you are stressed out about work and facing problems while conceiving, take a break.
You can go on a local vacation or simply stay at home and do nothing. This could also help your mind relax and relieve your stress, which in turn can increase your chances of conception.
Seek Counselling
Difficulty in conceiving can lead to emotional trauma and put undue strain on a partnership. Every couple has different ways to cope with grief, anxiety, worry, and other emotions. If required, counselling can help you deal with your emotions better.
Amid all the struggle to become parents, it is important to concentrate on your health and mental wellbeing. Last but not the least, stay connected with the person you love the most - your partner.
Once you have stress under control, rest assured your journey to parenthood should be smooth.
Visit Singapore Parenting Festival for more information to help parents find answers to their parenting and pregnancy concerns.
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