10 Tips on How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

Mostly, women have a good understanding of what they should and should not do during pregnancy, including eating a healthy diet, quitting drinking and smoking, and taking prenatal vitamins. However, if you have decided to conceive, preparation is important. Preconception planning will help increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Here are a few tips on how to get your body ready for a baby:

1. Visit Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your obstetricians. Your doctor can:

• Analyze your family’s medical history and determine the possibility of complications.
• Check if you are susceptible to major diseases, including rubella and chickenpox, and provide vaccinations.
• Screen you for sexually transmitted diseases and recommend the necessary precautions and treatments to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

2. Exercise

You need to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day or 4 to 5 days a week. You can do simple exercises like a 20-minute walk, running, cycling, and strength training. Exercising regularly can help improve your immunity, mental health, and minimize your risk of future health problems.

3. Stop Birth Control

You should not use any form of birth control if you are trying to conceive. If you have an intrauterine device (IUD), get it removed by your gynecologist.

4. Eat Healthy

Eating a healthy diet is important before you conceive, as healthy foods can strengthen your immune system by providing sufficient nutrition and nourishment. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your diet. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water.

5. Quit Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking can be dangerous for your baby and interfere with your chances of getting pregnant.

• Smoking can reduce your blood flow, affect fertility, and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.
• Drinking can have long-term problems in your health and development problems in your baby. Also, it can make your baby vulnerable to fetal alcohol syndrome.

It is good to limit your daily intake of caffeine, as pregnant women are recommended to have the only 300ml of caffeine every day.

6. Take Multivitamins

It is advisable to take multivitamins prescribed by your doctor, which can help to compensate for the lack of vitamins in your body. These prenatal multivitamins also help you avoid any nutritional deficiencies during early pregnancy.

7. Add Folic Acid

In addition to multivitamins, you may need extra folic acid to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend you take at least 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. They may change the dosage after you become pregnant.

8. Get Plenty of Sleep

You should have a consistent sleep for at least 8 hours.Lack of sleep can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, impairment in immunity, stress, and make you exhausted.

9. Manage Your Stress

Sometimes, trying to get pregnant can be stressful. However, you need to manage your stress. Otherwise, it can prevent ovulation and increase your cortisol levels. You can get rid of your stress by practicing meditation and yoga and listening to music.

10. Visit the Dentist

Gum disease can lead to low birth weight in babies and preterm delivery. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist and to assess your oral health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preparing for pregnancy is beneficial for you and your baby. By following these tips and healthy habits, you can help minimize complications in your pregnancy.