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Preconception health and preparing for pregnancy entail things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase expected chances of having a healthy baby.
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Good health makes the body more receptive to conception, resulting in increased chances of conceiving.
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Dealing with any pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes before conception is another important factor.
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” This also applies to preparing for pregnancy.
The more reason you ought to know about preconception health is not limited to ensuring a healthy pregnancy but also a healthy baby.
Preparing the body for pregnancy is a healthy step toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Preconception health and health care entail things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase expected chances of having a healthy baby.
Several healthy lifestyle adjustments must be considered when preparing to have a baby, and it is essential to ensure your body is in good health condition, which comprises of taking care of various aspects such as diet, exercise, mental health, and overall well-being.
To have and sustain a healthy pregnancy, you will need to create an optimal environment for yourself and the baby to grow and develop, and it all starts with preparing the body for pregnancy.
Why preparing for pregnancy?
Most people are aware about several things to do in order to have a healthy pregnancy, however, it is not enough to know this; it is also important to start doing everything that is needed even right before the pregnancy comes.
Preparing your body for pregnancy is important for many reasons. By preparing your body for pregnancy ahead, you are more likely to:
1. Increases the chances of conception
Preparing the body for pregnancy enhances the likelihood of conception. Good health makes the body more receptive to conception, resulting in increased chances of conceiving. Dealing with any pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes before conception is another important factor in having a healthy pregnancy.
2. Reduced risk of pregnancy complications
The lowered risk of pregnancy complications is one of the most significant advantages of preparing the body for pregnancy. Women who prepare their bodies for pregnancy had a decreased chance of issues associated with conception that include preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
Other benefits includes:
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Relieve anxiety with pregnancy
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Recover quicker postpartum
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Give your baby the best chance of survival
When preparing for your pregnancy
There are a variety of ways you can prepare your body for pregnancy and make sure you’re in the best possible health before conceiving:
1. Quit using birth control
When you are expecting and waiting to get pregnant and you are using birth control, it’s like doing the impossible. You will need to put a stop to any pills that can prevent pregnancy first, and then you are on your way to conception.
2. Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol may affect your fertility when trying to conceive. It can affect your hormone levels, your unborn baby, menstruation, and ovulation.
Do not drink alcohol if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Alcohol can be passed to your unborn baby. The more you consume alcohol, the more you are putting yourself and your baby at risk.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help you prepare for labor and delivery by increasing your stamina and muscle strength. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as, brisk walking, easy jogging, swimming leisurely, and line dancing.
4. Controlling inflammation
Although inflammation is a normal part of the immune system yet it can have a negative impact on fertility and pregnancy. It is critical to avoid processed meals, foods heavy in sugar, and saturated fats in order to minimize inflammation. Choose antioxidant-rich meals like berries, almonds, and fatty fish instead.
5. Stress management
Feeling stressed out is something everyone experiences at times, but if you let it get out of control as a woman planning a pregnancy, it can harm your chances of getting pregnant or having a healthy pregnancy.
To avoid this, it’s important to handle stress in a healthy way. You can try things like taking deep breaths, doing exercises, and spending time with your spouse, friends, and family. And if you feel like it’s too much to handle on your own, reach out to a professional for help.
6. Exposure to toxic substances
A hazardous substance is one that can cause a risk to human health or is potentially harmful. It might be amusing at times how some ladies want to perceive some substances that are harmful to their health.
Avoid items like synthetic scents, Bisphenol-A (BPA), and specific cosmetic treatments when you’re pregnant to prevent exposing your baby to hazardous compounds that might impair its development.
Choosing chemical-free goods for your home and personal care is also beneficial. You may contribute to a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby by taking these actions to reduce your exposure to dangerous drugs.
7. Regular sex
Once you are taking the natural route of getting pregnant, then you can’t turn down sexual intimacy. Have regular sex for pleasure and don’t worry about spacing sex at first if you don’t have any known reproductive concerns. Instead, engage in unprotected intercourse frequently during your cycle
8. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products can help you maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy
9. Know your family history
Family history is another considerable factor when preparing for pregnancy. It might influence both the chance of conception and the baby’s health. Once you know about any underlying health condition in your family history, it is fundamental to share this information with your doctor, so that you can receive appropriate counseling and treatment.
10. Use vitamins and folic acid
Vitamin D and Vitamin C are also important for a healthy pregnancy as they complement each other. They promote the body’s absorption of calcium which is important for the development of strong bones in both the mother and baby.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron which is important for the development of red blood cells.
Using vitamins and folic acid are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for the development of a baby’s brain and spine.
It is recommended that women who are trying to conceive take 400-800 micrograms of folic acid daily.
