Planning and preparing for pregnancy need to be carried out in a very proper and careful way, considering that the health of a mother will play a huge role in the overall health and wellness of the little one that they are going to carry for 9 months.
If you are currently trying for a baby or are thinking about it, it is important to look into ways that you can do on your own to get ready for the entire process. Preconception health and health care are the 2 things that you want to prioritize when you are trying to get pregnant.
But what are the things that you can do to have a well and healthy pregnancy?
Below, we are going to list down some of the important things that you need to do when planning for pregnancy so you can have a healthy and well one.
7 Things You Need To Do When Planning For Pregnancy
1. Meet your doctor
The first thing that you need to do is make sure that you meet your doctor or consult your medical practitioner of choice and ask them about the lifestyle changes that you need to make along with any other questions that you have that are related to pregnancy.
Remember, your doctor of choice (preferably one with experience in pregnancy) is the only person that is qualified to answer all the questions that you have because they are the only ones that know your history and your overall health condition.
2. Get some tests done
In case your doctor tells you to get some tests done so they can know how fertile you are, you want to do them.
A lot of people end up saying no when the doctor recommends some tests because they think the doctor is just trying to get some commission out of those tests. But the thing is, they’re not. Your doctor will only recommend tests to make sure that your body is ready to get pregnant or to help you out in allowing your body to keep your little one healthy when you get pregnant.
3. Increase folic acid intake
Doctors are going to recommend mothers increase folic acid intake.
Remember, folic acid, which can also be called vitamin B, is important for women at least 1 month before and during pregnancy because it can help prevent major birth defects in the brain and spine of the little one.
4. Avoid drinking, smoking, and drugs
Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes along with chewing tobacco, and abusing drugs can cause a lot of complications during pregnancy for a woman and the baby that they are carrying.
Some of the most common problems that these can lead to include:
- Premature birth
- Birth defects
- Infant death
So, if you are trying to get pregnant, stop drinking, smoking, and doing drugs.
If you are having a hard time stopping, contact your doctor or local rehab center so you can help yourself and your baby.
5. Maintain A Healthy Weight
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to face serious complications and conditions before and during pregnancy.
Here are some of the most common complications that will be faced by an obese pregnant woman:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancers
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol
Try to get your BMI and start cutting the amount of heavy food that you eat. The more likely you maintain a healthy weight, the more likely you are to have a healthy pregnancy.
6. Know your family history
Collecting your family’s health history is important for the health of your child, considering that defects on one side of the family could be inherited via the DNA of your kid.
If someone in your family has heart problems, blood pressure problems, or other diseases that they were born with, you want to tell that to your doctor so they can take precautions when you deliver the baby.
7. Stay Happy
It is important for pregnant women to stay happy all the time, considering that the mood of the mother will play a huge role in the development of the baby.
A mother is required to be at her best when she is pregnant. In case you are feeling anxious, worried, stressed, or sad during your pregnancy period, feel free to talk with your doctor or a psychologist so you can have proper treatment options.
In case you are planning to get pregnant, it is better to get professional help from medical practitioners. Also, avoid Googling your symptoms, you might end up overthinking about a disease or illness that you don’t even have.
