The process of getting pregnant can be overwhelming. Most women think that seeing a doctor or a midwife is only necessary when they are pregnant. However, this is not the case; it is essential to make preparations early enough before conceiving.
There are many factors to consider, such as ovulation timing and infertility problems. While some of these factors are out of your control, there are plenty of things you can do about it. Below are some tips to help you prepare for pregnancy.
1. Visit your Doctor
Most people feel like they are healthy enough to conceive and do not need to see a doctor. However, by doing this, you might be overlooking the benefits you will reap from the visit. Your doctor will be able to conduct some discussions about your health status, current medications, their effects, and the like.
The doctor or midwife will then advise you on the various changes you can perform on your lifestyle. These lifestyle changes will help towards getting a healthy pregnancy.
2. Regular Exercising
Pre-pregnancy workouts increase fertility in women. These workouts include moderate aerobic exercise, high-energy workout (low impact), and some cardio strength. If you are obese, regular exercising will help you lose weight, thus reducing complications during pregnancy.
However, once you are pregnant, your exercise intensity should match how active you were before conceiving. It is necessary to consult with your doctor on the allowed physical activities per trimester.
During pregnancy, prenatal exercises are as crucial as pre-pregnancy workouts. The prenatal exercises help a woman experience a more manageable and healthier pregnancy. The activities also help avoid discomforts such as lower backaches. As a result, the activities also help a woman build enough strength while reducing the possibility of complications during delivery. Some prenatal workouts include swimming, moderate cycling (indoor), brisk walking, and low-impact aerobics.
3. Health and Nutrition
Taking a well-balanced diet is good for your body. Eating a balanced diet will help you maintain the proper body weight. As a result, this minimizes the risks of pregnancy complications. Some of the guidelines to a healthy diet are; reducing excessive calorie intake, eating food rich in proteins, and increasing your vegetables and fruits. Such a habit will make your body healthier before conceiving.
It is also essential to always stay hydrated. Take much water; it helps in weight management and keeps your organs healthy. Other supplements are necessary for a woman who is trying to conceive. These supplements include vitamins and mineral supplements.
Some minerals such as folic acid are significant to the baby’s health. The mineral reduces the risks of congenital disabilities. Therefore, it is essential to start taking the supplements before you are pregnant.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Smoking and alcohol intake not only affect your health but also limits your ability to conceive. Intake of these substances can also increase the chances of miscarriage if you are lucky to create. For an expectant mother, alcohol intake might also harm the baby’s growth.
You should also cut down your caffeine intake if you want to get pregnant. Caffeine may limit the chances of getting pregnant or even increase the chances of miscarriage. It would help if you also visited your doctor for advice concerning which medical drugs to avoid before and during pregnancy.
5. Reduce Stress
While preparing for pregnancy, it is essential to ensure that your stress levels are low. High stress levels may lead to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and heart disease. These health conditions might lead to pregnancy complications or a miscarriage in the early pregnancy stages.
During pregnancy, high stress levels can lead to having an underweight or premature baby. Therefore, it is advisable to include stress-relieving activities in your day-to-day life. Some of the activities include meditation and yoga. Regular exercising can also improve your mood and sleep, thus easing you from your stress.
There is a lot to think about when you want to have a baby. However, your doctor’s advice and regular exercise can be a good start for a healthy pregnancy. Also, quitting bad habits such as smoking and alcohol intake will increase your chances of conceiving. The above preparation tips can be helpful to any woman trying to get pregnant.