If you’re planning to conceive and looking for expert guidance on preparing your body for If you’re planning to conceive and looking for expert guidance on preparing your body for pregnancy, you’ve landed on the right article. Pregnancy is a magical time in a woman’s life, and during this period, our bodies undergo significant changes to gestate and help grow the baby. Soon-to-be mothers can expect a surge of hormones, some weight gain, and much more. Preparing your body for pregnancy is important for the baby’s optimal health and your well-being. But what is a new mama supposed to do? Should you continue with your workout routine if you’re a gym rat? Most importantly, how to prepare for pregnancy?
Fortunately for you, we’ve gathered the most important facts on pregnancy preparation. Before taking any steps or making new lifestyle changes, consult a trusted medical expert for guidance. If you’re looking for a credible clinic with tons of positive reviews, we recommend Obstetrics and Maternity Care in Palm Beach, FL.
That said, here’s everything you need to know about preparing your body for pregnancy. Read on.
Boost Fertility: Two Things to Help You Get Pregnant
Here are two key tips for increasing fertility. First, record your menstrual cycle frequency, and second, monitor your ovulation. By tracking your menstrual cycle, you’ll know when your ovaries release an egg. According to the facts, an egg is fertile for up to twenty-four hours, while sperm can survive five days.
Preparing Your Body For Pregnancy: First Steps to Take
You might already know that visiting your midwife or doctor while already pregnant is crucial. However, not all women are aware of the importance of pregnancy preparation before conception. So make sure you take all the necessary steps to boost your health and reach optimal wellness before conceiving a child.
In the sections below, you’ll read about the best ways to increase your chances of having a healthy child. So, what are these things to help you get pregnant? Keep on scrolling to find out.
See a Medical Professional
How to prepare for pregnancy? First, see a medical professional for a thorough checkup. Before getting pregnant, we recommend discussing your current health, health history, and lifestyle habits with your doctor or midwife. Consulting a medical professional such as Dr. David Adel is necessary, even if you feel healthy and prepared for pregnancy. A trained expert will help you maximize your health and aid in pregnancy preparation.
If you have certain medical conditions in your family that you may pass on to your baby, your doctor may suggest a genetic counselor. Furthermore, you might need blood tests or additional vaccines before getting pregnant.
Your midwife or doctor will also recommend supplements, herbs, or medicines to improve health. Also, if you’re already taking certain medications, you may need to discuss further use.
If you have long-term health issues such as diabetes and asthma, it’s best to stabilize them before entering pregnancy. Otherwise, these conditions may influence the proper development of your child. In addition, if you are overweight, you might need to lose weight before conceiving a baby. Shedding excess weight can help reduce further complications during pregnancy.
Limit Caffeine Intake
One of the significant things to keep in mind when learning how to prepare for pregnancy is being mindful of what you’re putting in your body. For example, caffeine use is associated with pregnancy complications. So, to stay safe, we recommend cutting down on caffeine or eliminating it from your diet altogether (including coffee, energy drinks, green tea, and chocolate).
Eliminate Alcohol and Smoking
You’ll also want to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs during your pregnancy preparation. If you continue with these harmful habits, you may have a more challenging time getting pregnant. Also, women who smoke, consume alcohol, and take opioids have an increased chance of miscarriage.
Talk to your midwife or doctor if you need professional help quitting tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use.
Even when consumed in tiny amounts, alcohol can cause damage to the growing fetus. For example, pregnant women who drink can give birth to babies with intellectual and learning disabilities, heart and facial defects, and behavioral problems.
On the same note, smoking can harm your unborn child’s health, and it may cause a lower birth weight and congenital disabilities. So naturally, drugs (such as street drugs) can be life-threatening for you and your baby.
Consume a Well-Balanced Diet
Now that you know which substances to avoid before getting pregnant, let’s discuss the things to help you get pregnant. One of these is consuming a nutrient-dense diet full of minerals, vitamins, quality protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Make sure to reduce empty calories (found in junk food, sweets, fried foods, pastries, etc.), artificial sweeteners, and caffeine intake. Although chocolate is a common craving during pregnancy, you may want to limit consumption.
Instead, opt for foods high in protein, complex carbs (such as sweet potatoes, white potatoes, cruciferous vegetables rich in fiber, oatmeal, and other whole grains), and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish and avocados).
In fact, women are advised to eat up to three servings of fish per week (or four ounces). However, experts advise against consuming large ocean fish, like tilefish and shark. In addition, due to the lead content, it’s best to limit tuna intake to one can or eighty-five grams of white tuna.
Most importantly, if you are overweight or obese, your priority in pregnancy preparation should be to reach a healthy weight. On the flip side, underweight women are recommended to gain weight before conceiving a baby. Also, dieting during pregnancy can be dangerous. So instead, consider losing (or gaining) weight before entering pregnancy.
Limit Stress
Stress is all around us, and avoiding it entirely is impossible. However, there are many ways how you can limit stress before conceiving or during pregnancy.
For example, consume vitamin and antioxidant-rich diet over a diet full of refined sugars, salts, and potentially harmful additives. Also, make sure you get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Another excellent way to reduce stress is to try relaxing activities such as meditation or prenatal yoga. Childbirth education classes can also help ease your mind and prepare you for your future role.
Supplement with Vitamins and Folic Acid
A healthy mother and a happy baby need enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, avoid taking high doses of vitamins (especially vitamins K, E, A, and D). Namely, when overconsumed, these vitamins can lead to congenital disabilities and other abnormalities. Instead, choose standard pregnancy prenatal vitamins. Always consult your doctor on which supplements you should take when preparing your body for pregnancy.
Exercise Regularly
A common misconception is that pregnant women should stop all forms of exercise and instead lay in bed all day. In reality, if you were active before getting pregnant, staying active will only benefit you and your child. However, you’ll want to talk to your doctor or midwife about adjusting the intensity of your workouts. For example, it may be better to choose a Pilates class or go for frequent, brisk walks daily instead of lifting heavyweights.
Get Enough Rest
Remember, your happiness will influence the baby’s overall health and well-being. You will want to manage your stress levels and keep cortisol low. Above all, ensure you get enough quality rest before and during pregnancy.
Consult with Us Today
Finding a dependable professional can seem like a “mission impossible.” Luckily for you, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with us today and ease your way into a healthy pregnancy.