12 Things All Couples Should Do Before Getting Pregnant

The ideal time to start preparing for a pregnancy is way before conception. Every couple needs to make major changes in the lifestyle in order to ensure safe pregnancy which is healthy for both the mother and the child. Following are the 12 most important changes that you need to heed before heading into pregnancy.

1.Time Your Pregnancy

Time is the most crucial element if you are planning to have a baby. Twenties is the ideal time for a pregnancy. As a woman crosses the threshold of 30s, she starts encountering the problem of delayed conception. In the wake of 40s comes the likelihood of birth defects. This is why planning the time of pregnancy is essential.

2. No Contraceptives

It goes without saying that when you decide to get pregnant, you need to say no to the pill at once since it takes about two weeks for fertility to return after stopping the pill. If you use any other method of contraception like the patches or vaginal devices, they should be reversed well within time.

3. Watch What You Eat

Diet is the single most important factor needed for a healthy pregnancy. Incorporate healthy foods in diet like fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, lean meat, dairy products. Cut down the consumption of sugary and fatty foods. For a healthy pregnancy, you need to monitor your diet very closely.

 4. Say No To Caffeine

Caffeine, if consumed in excess amounts, can have detrimental effects on the pregnancy which is why you need to curb your intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

5. Avoid Alcohol

Even a little amount of alcohol can have adverse health outcomes for the baby so avoid alcohol at all costs.  

6. Folate Supplements

Deficiency of folic acid is linked with increased likelihood of birth defects like spinal abnormalities in the fetus so give your body its fair share of Folate. Dietary sources of Folate include green leafies, citrus fruits, cereals, whole grains etc. It is also available in the form of supplements.

7. Weight Optimization

Consult your obstetrician about the ideal weight that is needed for a healthy pregnancy in accordance with your stature. If you are overweight, reduce your weight and if you turn out to be underweight, try to gain some pounds for a healthy pregnancy.

8. Exercise

Adopting an active lifestyle well before conception has been proven to have a positive impact on the pregnancy. Do regular light aerobic exercises like simple walking etc. to keep yourself active. Talk to your obstetrician about acceptable level of physical activity and avoid over-exerting yourself.

9. No Stress

Stress can affect a pregnancy negatively which is why you need to have a relaxed state of mind while embarking on this journey.

10. Vaccination

If you have not been vaccinated for certain diseases like flu, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria etc. now is the time to get it out of the way. The vaccines of certain diseases contain weakened strains of living organisms so you need to get those shots at least three months in advance.

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11. No Medicines

If you are taking medicines for any kind of disease like diabetes, thyroid diseases etc. even if they are herbal medicines, you need to stop taking them immediately and consult your doctor about the safety of each drug and whether or not it is safe to use them during pregnancy.

12. Visit The Obstetrician

Even though you will be meeting your obstetrician regularly during pregnancy, it is essential to visit at least once prior to conception. This ensures that you do not have any condition that might complicate the pregnancy and even if you do, how to tackle it for a healthy pregnancy. Other issues like previous history and any past pregnancy problems can also be addressed.