Pre-pregnancy dos and don'ts:
Think you might want to have a baby soon? Before you start trying to conceive, read this list of handy tips to follow for a healthier conception and pregnancy.The first thing you do when you get pregnant is to go to a doctor. From there on begins a series of tests, food recommendations, exercises, special supplements and host of other health and wellness advice. But did you know that you should ideally start paying extra attention to your health as soon as you start planning a baby?So if you think you might be ready to start trying for a baby sometime, here are some health tips you should follow so your conception and pregnancy are that much smoother.Top 10 things you should do before you start trying for a baby.
1. Schedule a preconception visit with your doctor (gynaecologist)Don't wait to get pregnant before you visit a gynaecologist. In your preconception visit, your doctor will generally look for these things like:
- Your present state of health
- Family history of any medical ailment
- Medication - if you are on any, how to alter or continue that during pregnancy
- Immunisation - along with the normal mandatory immunisation, nowadays the doctor would also recommend you get immunised for Rubella Vaccine before conceiving.
2. Pelvic examination
Although this is not mandatory, some doctors recommend that you get a complete pelvic examination.
Although this is not mandatory, some doctors recommend that you get a complete pelvic examination.
3. Folic acid tablets
Generally, it is recommended that a woman should start with 400 micron folic acid tablet (1OD), a month before conception and continue it through the first trimester of the pregnancy. Research has shown that folic acid intake at this time reduces the chances of neural tube defect and spina bifida in the foetus.
Generally, it is recommended that a woman should start with 400 micron folic acid tablet (1OD), a month before conception and continue it through the first trimester of the pregnancy. Research has shown that folic acid intake at this time reduces the chances of neural tube defect and spina bifida in the foetus.
4. Drugs or diseases
If you are taking any medication regularly, a doctor's consultation is a must before conceiving to check the impact of the medicine on the foetus (For e.g. - a drug given for acne should be discontinued before conceiving). Women suffering from diabetes, high or low blood pressure, thyroid disorders or any other lifestyle disorder should consult with the doctor regarding alteration in the dosage and routine before planning their pregnancy.
If you are taking any medication regularly, a doctor's consultation is a must before conceiving to check the impact of the medicine on the foetus (For e.g. - a drug given for acne should be discontinued before conceiving). Women suffering from diabetes, high or low blood pressure, thyroid disorders or any other lifestyle disorder should consult with the doctor regarding alteration in the dosage and routine before planning their pregnancy.
5. Obesity
It's very important for a woman to regulate her weight before getting pregnant. Most doctors advice women suffering from obesity to go reduce their weight before conceiving. In a normal, healthy pregnancy weight gain of 11-16 kg is ideal and expected. The BMI (Body Mass Index) should be in the range of 23 - 26 while conceiving.
It's very important for a woman to regulate her weight before getting pregnant. Most doctors advice women suffering from obesity to go reduce their weight before conceiving. In a normal, healthy pregnancy weight gain of 11-16 kg is ideal and expected. The BMI (Body Mass Index) should be in the range of 23 - 26 while conceiving.
6. Start eating healthy
Make your diet healthy, wholesome and nutritious if you're planning to conceive. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and fibre; protein in the form of fish and chicken; iron-rich foods like spinach and plenty of dairy products for their calcium benefits. It's best to avoid raw or semi-cooked eggs.
Make your diet healthy, wholesome and nutritious if you're planning to conceive. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and fibre; protein in the form of fish and chicken; iron-rich foods like spinach and plenty of dairy products for their calcium benefits. It's best to avoid raw or semi-cooked eggs.
7. Say no to caffeine and tobacco
It is a great idea to reduce consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee and smoking while planning pregnancy. It is known that caffeine reduces fertility and also increases the chances of miscarriages. Avoid passive smoke as well.
It is a great idea to reduce consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee and smoking while planning pregnancy. It is known that caffeine reduces fertility and also increases the chances of miscarriages. Avoid passive smoke as well.
8. Start exercising
Even if you've never exercised a day in your life before, now is the time to start. A regular workout improves your fitness levels, helps you lose weight and is basically an all-round winning idea. Exercising (as recommended by your doctor) is advised during pregnancy as well and it helps to get a head start by beginning your workout before you start trying to conceive.
9. Visit your dentist
It is a great idea to visit your dentist and get all the cavities fixed before conceiving, as you won't be able to do much after getting pregnant. Also, getting your teeth cleaned will be a good gift for your gums throughout your pregnancy.
Even if you've never exercised a day in your life before, now is the time to start. A regular workout improves your fitness levels, helps you lose weight and is basically an all-round winning idea. Exercising (as recommended by your doctor) is advised during pregnancy as well and it helps to get a head start by beginning your workout before you start trying to conceive.
9. Visit your dentist
It is a great idea to visit your dentist and get all the cavities fixed before conceiving, as you won't be able to do much after getting pregnant. Also, getting your teeth cleaned will be a good gift for your gums throughout your pregnancy.
10. Mental health
It is very important to be in a positive and happy frame of mind when planning to be pregnant. Keep stress away and surround yourself with happy and positive thoughts and people.
It is very important to be in a positive and happy frame of mind when planning to be pregnant. Keep stress away and surround yourself with happy and positive thoughts and people.
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