Does passing by every other newborn makes you want to have your own baby? Do you feel that it is the right time in your life to start or expand your family? Are you thinking of getting pregnant and looking for things to do before pregnancy? Well, look no more because this article contains authentic information on pre-pregnancy preparations. We vow to guide you throughout your pregnancy symptoms until your delivery. Happy reading!
What are some important things to do before pregnancy?
While there are many aspects of your life that are going to be affected by your pregnancy. And making certain changes in them will become inevitable once you conceive. While researching things to do before pregnancy, look for the following:
Your emotional health
Bringing a baby into your life is life-changing in so many ways. The first thing that you should consider before getting pregnant is your mental health. A sound mind will nurture a sound and healthy kid. Analyze if you are ready for a baby or not? Can you handle the stress and responsibilities that come with a child?
Synchronization with your partner
One of the most important things to do before pregnancy involves talking with your partner. It is you two who are the real stakeholders. Make sure that both of you want this baby and that you are on the same page.
So sit down and have a thorough conversation with your spouse. It will make you more confident about the pregnancy.
Sorting your financial aspect is an important thing to do before pregnancy
This issue is perhaps one of the most important aspects to cover. Go over your bank statement. Discuss your financial situation with your spouse. Detail your expenditures and see if you have enough money to raise a child.
Also Read: All Newly Married Women Should Discuss This With Their Partners
Working on your physical health is an important thing to do before pregnancy
It is your body that will eventually nest the baby for a period of nine months. Make sure that your body is up for it. Go and see a doctor. Get yourself thoroughly examined. Check your weight, BMI, blood count, lipid profile, hormonal checkup, and any other test that your doctor approves of.
Things to do before pregnancy and things not to do
Now that you have decided to get pregnant after considering the above-mentioned aspects, you need to prepare your body. There are certain things to do before pregnancy and some things that you must definitely avoid.
Here are some things that you must do
While there are many things to do before pregnancy, getting the following things done will give you a good and smooth head start.
- Know when you’re ovulating
- Sex on a regular basis
- A preconception visit
- Regular exercise
- Eat healthily
- Get rid of birth control
- Genetic testing
- Folic acid supplements
Know when you’re ovulating
Keep a record of your ovulatory cycle. Day 12th-14th of your menstrual cycle (day one is the first day of your period) is when you ovulate and are most fertile. Try to track your days and have sex in this duration. This increases the chance of conception by many folds.
Keep having sex on a regular basis
The only way you can get pregnant is when the sperm fertilizes your egg. Having sex frequently increases the chances of fertilization by eighty-five percent. Try to think of fun creative ideas to keep yourself and your partner interested and in the mood for sex.
Also Read: Masturbation During Pregnancy
Schedule a preconception visit
One of the most important things to do before pregnancy is to schedule a visit with your gynecologist. No one can guide you throughout this process better than your doctor. Discuss your fears with your doctor and learn more about pregnancy.
Also Read: When And Why Do You Need Antenatal Checkups?
Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly makes your body stronger and gives you a sense of control over your body. While things are going to get haywire within your body once you get pregnant, exercising regularly is one of the smartest things to do before pregnancy.
Get rid of birth control
Immediately get off from any sort of birth control you are currently on. If you have any patch or device implanted inside your body, get it removed by discussing it with your doctor.
Here are some things you must avoid
The don’ts are just as important and must steer clear of. The following items must not be included in your list of things to do before pregnancy.
- Caffeine, smoking, and alcohol
- Too much stress
- Catching an infection
- Vitamin A supplements
Caffeine, smoking, and alcohol
We know this already sounds bad but you are not supposed to have coffee. And we know that you are sad. But hey! You will have to give up something for your little one.
Smoking cigarettes is very bad for your health as well as your baby’s. Many cancer-causing chemicals are present in cigarette smoke and can really harm your baby.
Drinking alcohol is a big NO-NO. Even before getting pregnant, alcohol intake can cause serious damage to your baby. This can cause a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Also Read: 10 Things To Avoid In Pregnancy
Too much stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of infertility in the world. While you are trying to conceive, put every negative thought out of your mind. Negative energy is bad for you and your baby. Staying stress-free must be somewhere up in your list of things to do before pregnancy.
Catching an infection
Getting an infection is the last thing you want right now. Even after the infection is cured, some germs stay in your body and get reactivated once you’re pregnant. These infections can cause abnormalities in your baby. One such example is of TORCHeS infections which prove really bad later on.
Also Read: Coronavirus In Pregnant Women – Symptoms And Precautions
Vitamin A supplements
This might be a tricky one for you guys. Vitamin A is usually taken in the form of supplements by women of childbearing age for the treatment of acne. Extensive research has proven this vitamin to be cancerous for the babies.
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