Pregnancy preparation is a comprehensive process that involves many factors to think about. From the preparation of the body for pregnancy, the whole organism to the psychological one.
One such big step in life certainly should not be taken lightly. What steps must be taken as preparation? Here are our 10 tips!
1. See your doctor
It is necessary to educate yourself, but a visit to the doctor can not replace anything. If you are wondering if you are ready for pregnancy, consult your doctor first.
After checking your medical condition and consulting your doctor in more detail in your family history, you will know the potential dangers ahead. It is also very important to get vaccinated if you have not done so before, and if you suffer from chronic illness, it requires different preparation.
2. Stop smoking and drinking
Pregnancy preparation should begin with changing life habits. Remove the bad habits immediately as that can harm your child.
All of these activities make it difficult for you to become pregnant, increase your risk of miscarriage and can harm your baby’s health.
There is a widespread prejudice that a glass of wine is good for pregnant women, but this is absolutely not true and you should avoid any beverage of that sorts. Also, caffeine intake should be reduced as much as possible.
3. Eat healthy
When it comes to preparing for this, vitamins are very important. Of course, you need to eat the necessary amounts of fruits and vegetables to bring in the vitamins and minerals you need, but there are also necessary nutritional supplements to help you prepare your body for the shock that follows.
You need to take care of your body weight, and try to line up (whether you are overweight or underweight) before you become pregnant.
As for the diet itself, there are some clear and easy instructions:
- Reduce your calorie intake
- Eliminate artificial sweeteners from your diet
- Get rid of caffeine
- Eat foods with as much protein as you can
- Reduce fish and tuna intake due to pollution of the sea
You can also check out websites such as tonicnaturalhealth.com.au who can further assist you by making the right diet plan, detox and everything else you need.
4. Lots of fluid!
Did you know that more than 60 percent of your body is made of water? Therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy level of water in the body and make sure that you are ingesting enough fluid into the body first.
It is optimal to drink 9 hours of water a day or 1 liter for every 25kg of body weight. When conception occurs, this level of fluid intake is required and increased. Of course, the liquids that need to be ingested do not include carbonated juices, coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks, but only water and healthy fruit juices.
5. Folic Acid
Folic acid is crucial in the preparation as well.
Folic acid reduces the risk of postpartum damage as well as the risk of spinal problems. Before you become pregnant you should start taking vitamins and folic acid.
6. Exercise
Exercise and physical activity are very important always, and so in this period of your life. It will prepare your body in the right way for what follows. And throughout, as your doctor allows, you should continue in moderation.
Those who already train can continue if these are not too hard training. You are not preparing for a marathon but for something else. Women who have not been active so far should start slowly and have physical activity 3 to 4 times a week. Inform your doctor regularly about your training, to advise you whether to continue or to reduce intensity.
7. Stress free
Psychological preparation also predetermines the less stress, the more relaxation. Visit your doctor and discuss techniques and methods for reducing stress and relaxation. Yoga is one of the great ways to relax.
8. Regular and healthy sleep
When pregnancy and sleep come to mind, you probably think of the sleepless nights that come after a toddler comes into the world. But even before that, it is very important to sleep well and often. Don’t deny yourself sleep whenever you feel the need. While sleeping, all the essential processes in the body happen.
9. Visit the dentist
In addition to the gynecologist and your doctor, you must visit a dentist. Body preparation also involves the preparation of gums and teeth, which are very sensitive to changes that will happen to your body.
Changes in hormonal structure can completely disrupt your gums and teeth, and during and immediately before pregnancy it will be necessary to brush your teeth even more regularly and take care of them even more so that during pregnancy you will not experience unpleasant gum bleeding, tooth loss and similar discomfort .
10. Take care of your mental health
Psychological preparation for pregnancy is a topic that is increasingly talked about because it is not enough to prepare your body for the challenges that follow. The psyche and the mind are under even greater pressure, both during and after.
In addition to having the support of a partner and the rest of the family and ensuring a less stressful environment for yourself during this period, it is also very important to take into account other aspects of mental preparation.
The doctors point out that women with mental health problems and those suffering from depression will have more difficulties conceiving, and it is necessary to go to a doctor for a review before deciding on pregnancy and parenthood.
If behavioral changes such as loss of interest, changes in appetite and insomnia, loss of energy, or a feeling of helplessness and worthlessness occur – a psychiatrist should be contacted for help and further steps to help manage this situation.
Conclusion:
Is pregnancy preparation necessary? This text shows that it is necessary and that there is much that a woman can do for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy preparation includes preparing your body for pregnancy, mental preparation, preparing your environment, and preparing for changes in habits.
If you prepare for one of the biggest steps in your life properly, there is no reason to worry!