10 tips to prepare for pregnancy
Thinking about getting pregnant? Plan ahead to make sure you are physically, emotionally and mentally ready for motherhood.
- Start early. About one to three months before you plan to get pregnant, make an appointment with your health care provider for a routine physical exam and preconception counseling.
- Check your medications. Clear all medications with your health care provider before you try to get pregnant.
- Go to the dentist. Bacteria in your mouth can lead to gingivitis or other issues, which in turn has been shown to result in preterm babies and low birth weight infants.
- Reduce your stress. Figure out what is causing stress in your life and do your best to change it. Yoga, meditation, writing, and exercise all help to lower stress levels.
- Exercise. A healthy body is more receptive to becoming pregnant. Exercise will give you more energy, which you will need in the coming months.
- Cut out the bad stuff. Your body needs to be a shrine of health prior to becoming pregnant for your new baby so no drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
- Good food = good for baby. You absolutely need folic acid, which can be found as part of a prenatal multivitamin. If you have low iron levels, you may want to start with an iron supplement. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium and water.
- Weigh your weight. Reach a healthy weight before trying to get pregnant. Being overweight or underweight while trying to conceive can have an impact.
- Talk to your partner. Having a baby can cause strain on your relationship. Sit down and have a serious discussion with your partner about your hopes and expectations for conception, pregnancy and child raising.
- Cross something off your bucket list. If there is one thing that you always wanted to do — do it! Go hang-gliding, learn how to scuba dive or just take a last-minute flight to a sandy beach. Spoil yourself a little!