Trying to get pregnant can be as stressful as it is exciting. Ensuring your future baby is healthy and strong starts before they’re even conceived. Because there are so many things to pay attention to and lifestyle changes to introduce, having a pregnancy checklist can be extremely helpful.
This article will guide you through the process and make this time of your life less overwhelming so you can save your energy for what matters.
Track Your Cycle With Tests and Apps
While there’s a chance to get pregnant in any part of your cycle, your fertility and ovulation days are the best times to start trying for a baby. Familiarize yourself with your cycle by detecting patterns and paying attention to the symptoms you experience at different times of the month.
The first thing on your pregnancy to-do list should be to get some ovulation tests. While some women know when they’re ovulating by their increased sensitivity and light cramping, others don’t feel the process occuring at all.
Ovulation tests are a more accurate way to see if you’re ovulating, but you can also make use of period tracking apps. They predict your cycle and indicate when your ovulation days should be, which is very useful for when you’re planning for a baby.
Schedule Your First Preconception Appointment
One of the most common first-time pregnancy tips is to go to the doctor for a preconception appointment. While some people think this is unnecessary, it can help you get to know your body better and prepare it for pregnancy.
Your doctor will help you understand your medical history and underline potential concerns when it comes to getting pregnant. Identifying and preventing potential risks should be at the top of anyone’s baby planning checklist.
On top of dealing with physical concerns, this kind of appointment can help prepare you mentally for the changes your life and body are about to undergo. Your comfort and mental health are just as important, as pregnancy should be as enjoyable as possible.
Start Working on Your Diet
The way you eat influences your body immensely, especially when you’re planning for a baby. Focusing on nutrients and healthy fuel should be at the top of your pregnancy checklist to ensure your body has the resources to support a baby. Cutting out processed food, candy, as well as lowering your caffeine intake, can all help.
Remember, a healthy mom makes for a healthy baby. Furthermore, the healthier and stronger you are, the easier the entire pregnancy will be. All the typical symptoms, aches, and pains will be much more bearable.
Take Care of Other Doctor Appointments
Aside from getting a preconception appointment, another item on your pregnancy checklist should be to check your general health. Get some bloodwork done, see the dentist, and talk to your GP about other health concerns you may have.
This will help you ensure everything is functioning correctly and your body is ready for a baby. The less energy your body needs to fix existing issues, the more it can devote to your future baby.
Consider Taking Vitamins and Other Supplements
Another way to improve your health when you’re planning for a baby is to start taking supplements. If you’ve done the recommended blood work, you’ll have a clear picture of any potential deficiencies that you can start working on.
Vitamins are an essential part of your baby planning checklist, and folic acid should be at the top. Not only does it improve your overall health, but it also reduces the risk of congenital disabilities. To increase your chances of conception, start taking folic acid one to three months before you plan on starting to try to get pregnant.
Get Enough Exercise Before and During Pregnancy
This is, perhaps, the least favorite item on anyone’s pregnancy to-do list. It’s necessary for your overall well-being, though. Exercise helps you deal with stress better, keeps your body strong, and ensures you can handle the upcoming pregnancy more easily.
Start slow if you’re not really enthusiastic or used to regular exercise. Even just walking more can improve your overall health and make you stronger. Most importantly, don’t stop with light exercise during your pregnancy, either.
It’s a great way to maintain your weight and manage some more annoying symptoms. Plus, it keeps your muscles strong and gives your body more energy to support your baby.
Get To Know Your Family Medical History
While you should know your own medical history, your family’s is just as important. A history of congenital disabilities, medical conditions and trouble with conception can raise the risk of you and your partner going through the same issues.
Therefore, you should add “talk to the family” to your baby planning checklist. Not only will this help you nip any issues in the bud, but it can also put your mind at ease and make you feel like you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Don’t forget to share your family history with your doctor at the preconception appointment so they can advise you better about how to prepare.
Start Thinking About The Expenses
Your pregnancy to-do list should also take into account the things your new baby will need. Shopping for baby supplies can get really expensive, really fast. Thankfully, you have at least nine months to prepare.
Start looking at cribs, changing tables, and other baby furniture to see how much you’ll need to spend. Baby clothes, bottles, and diapers should also make it onto your budget list. Don’t forget to include any decor you plan on putting into the nursery, either.
Most importantly, find out more about what your medical insurance covers and start a separate savings account for medical expenses and medical emergencies.
Cut Nicotine Out of Your Life
Not only does smoking lower your chances of conception, but it can also be bad for the health of your fetus. If you smoke or vape, it’s time to make a quitting plan. Nicotine is highly addictive, and it can be hard to deal with the withdrawal symptoms, but it’s for your own good and the good of your baby.
Additionally, you should stop using marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. Alongside smoking and vaping, it can cause preterm delivery and low birth weight. Lowering your caffeine intake and cutting alcohol out of your life are also advisable. If you use other illicit drugs recreationally, it’s time to give them up as well.
Conclusion
Having a pregnancy checklist when you’re trying to get pregnant helps you stay on track and ensures you don’t forget about any part of the process. You and your partner don’t have to be overwhelmed by starting a family when you have a concrete plan to focus on.
Has this article given you the tips you were after? Are you excited to start this new chapter of your life? We’d love to hear what you think and help you prepare yourself better. Call us at (941) 500-3100 for your next appointment!