If you are reading this article then the odds are you are preparing for pregnancy.
But before you get to the process of 'baby-making,' there are a few lifestyle changes that you need to make for a healthy and happy pregnancy.
When you become pregnant, your body goes through a gamut of changes and it should be strong enough to cope up with it.
That's why you need to visit a gynaecologist at least three months before you plan to conceive. Sometimes, all you may need is a minor tweak in your existing lifestyle to help you have a smooth pregnancy.
Things only get complicated with every day during pregnancy, so the more you prepare for it, the more adaptable you and your body will be to the changes that come.
And to help you achieve the same, we've listed seven ways to prepare your for your first pregnancy.
7 Ways You Should Be Preparing For Pregnancy To Conceive Faster
1. Consult your gynaecologist
This is the most important thing, which both you and your partner should start with.
Even if you feel that you are healthy and perfectly ready for pregnancy, you still need to visit a doctor.
You may need to go through few tests before you plan your pregnancy. Some screenings are usually done at this stage to ascertain if you have inherited health problems from your family that could pass on to the baby.
On the other hand, if you are obese and overweight, the doctor may recommend you to lose weight.
This is to avoid the risk of any complications during pregnancy. The doc will try to understand your gynaecological history and past pregnancy experiences to help you plan a healthy pregnancy.
2. Start multivitamins and folic acid tablets
The doctor will recommend you start on multivitamins and folic acid before you plan your pregnancy.
Centres for Disease Control (CDC) urges every woman who could become pregnant to get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acids are known to reduce the risk of birth defects, especially problems with the baby's spine.
Folic acid is also found in many food items.
You can increase your intake of vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, beets, leafy greens, and also fruits like papaya, banana and many more.
Remember to take the multivitamins in their recommended dosage. Avoid taking a high dose of any vitamin.
For instance, when the dose of preformed vitamin A is above 10,000 IU per day, there can be a potential risk of teratogenicity. Teratogens are agents that are known to disturb the development of an embryo or foetus.
There are also reports of malformations in children when their mums consume high doses of preformed vitamin A during pregnancy (more than 25,000 IU/day). Remember, moderation is key.
3. Immunisations are up-to-date
During the initial checkup, your doctor will also see if your immunisations are up-to-date.
For instance, you should have your chickenpox and rubella vaccinations. If they are not done, then get vaccinated at the earliest.
You should ideally be vaccinated three months before trying to conceive. Remember, both are "live" vaccines, so they are not recommended during pregnancy.
4. Eat a healthy diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your body weight. Preparing for pregnancy also involves having a well-balanced meal.
You need to cut down on outside food and also junk.
Here are some simple changes you can make to your diet plan:
- Eat foods that are rich in protein like beef, lamb, pork and meats.
- Increase the intake of vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
- Include fish in your daily diet. You can eat up to three servings of fish a week of four ounces (oz) each. But there are some types of seafood that have high levels of mercury and shouldn't be eaten during pregnancy. For instance, shark.
- Reduce empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and also your caffeine intake. Excessive intake of caffeine (more than 300 mg daily) has been associated with fertility issues. It also increases your risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and giving birth to a low-weight baby.
- Don't go on any strict weight loss diet plan when you are pregnant. In fact, you should lose weight before you conceive and not during pregnancy.
- Being overweight can increase the risk of complications in your pregnancy. It increases the possibility of medical complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and miscarriage.
5. Quit smoking and drinking
Several studies have concluded that women who smoke may have problems conceiving.
The infertility rates in both male and female smokers are about twice the rate of infertility in nonsmokers.
Fertility treatments such as IVF may also not be able to fully overcome the effects of smoking effects on fertility. That's why smoking is a strict no for you and your partner when you are trying to conceive.
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can also be detrimental to your baby's health. In fact, drinking alcohol in the first three months of the pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.
There can be other growth and central nervous system problems from drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy.
6. Exercise
If you do not exercise often, it is high time that you need to start soon.
You can simply start with brisk walks or watch any fitness videos available online to lose weight. In fact, healthy pregnant women also need at least 2½ hours of aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, each week.
Regular physical activity can help to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications and ease other discomforts.
For most pregnant women, exercising is a safe option, but it is still recommended to keep your doctor in the loop.
7. Don't miss your visit to the dentist
During pregnancy, you may experience gum bleeding and other discomforts.
In fact, gum disease is also associated with preterm delivery, so don't miss an appointment with your dentist to rule out any dental problem.
If you need any treatments, an X-ray or medication can be recommended before you plan to conceive.