Key Tips On Taking The Best Care Of Yourself Before Having A Baby

Pregnant Woman
Pregnant Woman

Having a baby not only reflects you and your partner’s love but also shows how wonderful being a parent is.

Conceiving is a great experience. Chances are, the reason that you’re reading this article is that you’re planning to conceive a baby soon. However, you need to know that getting pregnant is not just about having sex; it’s about a lot of preparation from you and your partner. Remember that getting pregnant is a team effort.

Are you ready to start trying to have a baby? If you are, read these key tips on taking the best care of yourself before having a baby that we’ve gathered especially for you.

1. Get yourself and your partner checked out


Since it takes two to tango, you and your partner should have yourselves scheduled for a preconception checkup. Through this, your doctor will be able to help you decide what course of action you should take to make your pregnancy healthy.

 During the preconception checkup, you and your health provider will talk about:
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    Folic acid
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    Health conditions
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    Medicines you take
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    Vaccinations
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    Smoking and drinking habits
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    If you’ve had any prescription abuse
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    Unsafe chemicals at work or home
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    Birth control use

2. You and your partner will be tested


During the preconception checkup, you’ll be tested to see if you’re physically fit for pregnancy or if you’d need special care.

You’ll be tested through a:

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    Physical exam
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    Pelvic exam
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    Pap test
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    Blood test

There will also be a chance that your physician will recommend that tyou see a genetic counselor, especially if there are certain health conditions that run in your family.


3. Clear out your medicine cabinet


organic vitamin supplements

You may have been taking medicines or vitamins before you started trying to conceive, and they may have side effects on your body that will affect your chances of conceiving. It might be necessary to consult your physician on which you can still take and which ones you should throw out.

You may be told to avoid these medications:

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    NSAIDs (Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs)
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    Natural or herbal remedies
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    Psychiatric medications
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    Prescription NSAIDS
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    Steroids
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    Antiepileptic medications
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    Antipsychotics
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    Thyroid medications
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    Products with hormones
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    Chemotherapy

If it’s unavoidable that you take these medications, you can ask your physician if you can try alternative therapies.


4. Have your mouth checked


When you’re pregnant, you’ll experience hormonal changes, which will increase your chances of experiencing oral health problems.

Chances are, you will develop gum diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis. To avoid that, get your oral health checked and make sure you have good dental health.


5. Be safe at work


If you and your partner feel that your work environments are not safe enough, you can talk to the authorities of your companies. Make them understand that reproductive health is as important to men as it is for women.

What to do at work:

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    Avoid getting stressed
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    Minimize contact with harmful chemicals
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    Don’t spend too much time on the computer

If it’s possible, you and your partner should try to take a week off work. This will not only allow you spend time with your partner but will also let you de-stress.


6. Eat to conceive


Healthiest Foods Around The World

There are undoubtedly a lot of old wives’ tales of what to eat and what not eat to get pregnant. 

But myth or not, eating healthy makes your tummy healthy too.

And believe it or not, there are types of food that will help increase your fertility. 

Consume foods with:

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    Folic acid​​​​
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    High- quality protein
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    Omega-3 fatty acids
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    Low- fat or full-fat dairy

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables will also be helpful. Adding fruits and veggies into your meals will also help ready your body for conception.


7. Rest more often


When you’re pregnant, you need to get adequate sleep. But you should know that enough sleep is also needed when you’re trying to conceive. If you get enough sleep, your stress levels will also be lowered.

Hormones that are essential for conception and are produced at night:

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    Leptin​​​​
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    Prolactin​​​​
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    Estrogen
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    Progesterone
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    Luteinizing hormone (LH)
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    Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

It’s recommended that you and your partner should get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If you can, take short naps during your break at work.


8. Watch your weight


You should know that your and your partner’s weight is a big deal when you’re trying to conceive. Studies show that if a woman is overweight, losing weight will improve her chances of getting pregnant.

If a man is overweight, his sperm count could be lower. The same thing will happen if you’re underweight.

Whether you choose to gain weight or lose weight, you need to ensure that you’re at the proper weight for conceiving.


9. Exercise


Adding a little amount of exercise when you’re trying to conceive is beneficial. Research has shown that dedicating five or more hours a week to exercise will give you 42% more chance of getting pregnant.

It will also prepare your body for the changes that it will go through when you get pregnant.

Exercises you could do:

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    Walking
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    Running​​​​
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    Cycling
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    Swimming
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    Yoga
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    Pilates
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    Weightlifting

Exercise will also decrease your stress, maintain your weight, and sleep better. Plus, you can exercise with your partner, so you can bond and become closer to each other.


10. Give up your party lifestyle.


When you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s advisable that you stop consuming alcohol and smoking.

What alcohol does to you:

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    Men who consume alcohol regularly have a lower chance of fertilization
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    Drinking alcohol regularly will also lower sperm count
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    Women who consume alcohol regularly take longer to conceive
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    Drinking alcohol during ovulation lowers the chances of conceiving

What smoking does to you:

Happy Pregnant Woman
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    Affects the reproductive process
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    Increases the risk of birth complications
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    Increases the chances of experiencing miscarriage
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    Makes menopause and andropause come earlier

Smoking and drinking already have adverse effects on your body, even if you’re not trying to conceive.


Final Key Points...


Getting pregnant is a joyous moment for a couple. And it’s sad to say that not everyone is given the opportunity to conceive and have a child. However, if you and your partner have decided to have a child, following the tips above can help you a lot.

These tips can help you maximize your chances of having a baby. The sooner you start making the necessary changes, the better!

     Dianna Charles     

Dianna Charles is a promising young law enthusiast that hopes to bring her youthful spirit in her field. She tries to add a refreshing modern take to topics on the legal world that people can learn from. Dianna enjoys her free time with friends and family, and loves to cook for them.