When it comes to pregnancy, not everything can be planned, we’ve compiled a list that women can do to prepare for these magical nine months.
Folic Acid:
Folic acid is very important before and during pregnancy. If you take it regularly, it may protect your baby from serious disturbances in nervous system development. Neural tube defects may occur even in first month of pregnancy, that’s why it is important to take folic acid even before pregnancy.
Preconception Checkup:
It is important to have a medical exam before getting pregnant, especially if you had your last checkup over a year ago. Here are few things that you should check: thyroid hormone levels, urine and blood tests. Visit your gynecologist for a cytology and reproductive organs and breasts ultrasound. You can also do a test for toxoplasmosis, which usually have no symptoms, but is extremely dangerous for developing fetus.
If you are taking any medications, consult with your doctor to make sure you can take them during pregnancy and that they won’t be harmful for the baby.
Physical Activity:
Take care of your physical activity. If you haven’t been exercising so far, try to change that! Regular exercising will improve your physical condition and efficiency which are significant during a childbirth. Exercises will also help you maintain proper weight during and after pregnancy. Remember that overweight and underweight have an influence on fertility.
Oral Hygiene:
If you are planning to have a baby, you should visit your dentist before pregnancy. Cure your teeth because bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities can be dangerous during pregnancy. They can lead to infection and even induce premature birth. It is also advisable to remove dental plaque. You should also ask your dentist how to take care of your teeth during pregnancy.
Proper Eating:
Your diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients and vitamins. Developing fetus uses your vitamin and mineral reserves. Their absence may disrupt normal development of the fetus.
Before getting pregnant you should carefully choose what you eat. Your body will need about three months to accumulate vitamin reserves. If you are planning to get pregnant, do not use any diet to lose weight, because they may disturb your hormonal balance or even stop the ovulation. Forget about alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs. These toxic substances persist in the body for a long time and may have adverse effect on developing fetus. To clean your body of toxins you should drink a lot of still mineral water.
Birth Control Pills:
You should, of course, stop taking birth control pills a few months before getting pregnant. It takes time before your menstrual cycle regains its natural regularity. You should also remember that if you just stop taking birth control pills there is a higher probability of multiple pregnancies.
Preparation for Future Fathers:
Remember that not only your health has an influence on baby’s health. Future dad should also take few steps to prepare himself before you get pregnant. He should also carefully choose what he eats and drinks, because of his lifestyle, eating habits and addictions have an influence on his fertility, fertilization and then also on baby’s health.
Women also often wonder when to start the preparation for pregnancy. You should start to prepare even few months before getting pregnant. At the beginning, pay more attention to what you eat and your lifestyle. Find out what infectious diseases you had when you were a child. Go to your dentist, start taking vitamins and enjoy the fact that you will be a mom soon!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zooey Barnett – mom of three and blogger on Little Baby Gear. She reviews products for babies, mostly strollers, baby swings and useful gadgets for new parents. On her blog you can read many reviews of strollers like Britax B-Free or UPPAbaby MINU. or find a ranking of the best baby swings.
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