Planning to get pregnant and have a baby is a significant step in any couple’s life, whether you’re having your first child or are adding another to your loving home. No matter which number baby you’re having, you need to make sure you are prepared for it to ensure excellent parent and baby health, as well as keep the risk of complications as low as possible.
Preparing for your pregnancy shouldn’t start in the months and weeks leading up to giving birth, though. If you want to ensure the happiest, healthiest pregnancy possible, you must start preparing as soon as possible, and this includes before you get pregnant.
Become Familiar With Your Ovulation Schedule
You’re already more than familiar with your menstrual cycle, but you may not be sure about your ovulation schedule, which is where you are most likely to get pregnant. Understanding the best time to try for a baby will increase your chances of getting pregnant and also allow you to plan the next nine months more comfortably. You can also compare this ovulation schedule with your menstrual cycle, allowing you to predict whether you are pregnant, or are just late in getting your period, which can reduce the stress and panic that comes from a missed or late period, giving you more concrete ideas besides your pregnancy test.
Get a Checkup
No matter who you are, it’s always vital to visit a doctor for a checkup before you start trying to get pregnant. Booking an appointment with a medical professional will help you find out any specific lifestyle changes or potential health problems that might impact your success in getting pregnant. Your doctor may also recommend that you see an endometriosis specialist make sure you are in the clear, and this will give you the go-ahead to start trying for a baby. While it can be intimidating to visit the doctor, you’re always better off doing so to save yourself any disappointment later on.
Cut Out Bad Habits
Bad habits are something that everyone has, although some habits are worse than others. Regardless of the bad habits that you might have, such as smoking, drinking, eating too much sugar, or staying up too late, it’s crucial to cut them out of your lifestyle. This is easier said than done, of course. However, failing to kick these bad habits will make your attempts to get pregnant much more difficult. The last thing you want is the disappointment of being unable to conceive because of these habits, so it’s in your and your baby’s best interests to adjust your lifestyle to create a healthy body for your baby to grow.
Balance Your Diet
Similarly, you should balance your diet so your body has the proper nutrients to encourage healthy growth for the baby. An excellent and nutritional diet will boost your chances of fertility, so look at foods that are high in antioxidants, and don’t be afraid to splurge on a big breakfast every morning. While there are plenty of healthy foods for you to try, you should also avoid bad foods such as trans fats, as these can severely hinder your chances of getting pregnant. Even if you weren’t trying for a baby, they aren’t good for you, anyway.
Remember Fitness and Exercise
When you’re pregnant, the idea of exercising and staying in shape seems impossible, even if you already have a dedicated fitness routine. However, regular and low-impact exercises can be hugely beneficial for you and the baby. It helps to relieve the aches, pains, and swelling that can come from pregnancy, and it will also help you feel better, generally. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the couch if you’re too exhausted to exercise, but a few small routines, whenever you can, could make the world of difference. You needn’t try running a 5K, but stretches, bodyweight exercises, and yoga could all provide fantastic benefits for you and increase your mood and energy levels.
Keep Your Stress Levels Low
Pregnancy can be a stressful time. Expectant mothers will worry about the baby’s health, they will occasionally feel overwhelmed, and they will also suffer from mood swings that can affect their emotional wellbeing. Because of this, it’s important to do what you can to keep your stress levels low and find ways to relax and unwind. Yoga and meditation are popular ways to do this, and you can also ask your partner to help out, pamper you, and make sure you stay off your feet, especially in the final few months. Relieving stress is also useful even before you get pregnant, as it can increase your chances of conceiving.
Consider Your Job
Your job may also impact the success of your pregnancy, and you may struggle to work the same way you did before you became pregnant. Luckily, a woman’s pregnancy should not impact their employment status, but it is worth considering possible adjustments to help you stay comfortable in the last few months of your pregnancy. If you have the option to work from home, then take it, and you can also enquire about maternity leave to plan how you are going to look after the baby. If you’re worried about maintaining your income, then look into disability insurance for pregnancy to ensure you don’t fall behind on bills. Your partner can also enquire about their leave so you have more support once the baby comes.
Prepare The Home for The Baby
Preparing your home for when the baby arrives is one of the most exciting, if exhausting, parts of your pregnancy. Not only will you get the chance to decorate their room, put their crib together, and get everything perfect, you’ll also need to baby-proof each room. Make sure to cover sharp corners and use socket caps to keep their hands away from the plugs. You should also clear out medicine cabinets and get rid of anything that could be dangerous. This will ensure your home is more than prepared for the baby.
Feeling Prepared
Deciding to have a baby, whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth, is a significant decision in anybody’s life. By taking the steps to prepare for every step of the journey, you will guarantee a healthy pregnancy and a happy child at the end of the nine months. There might be struggles and stress in between, but it will be entirely worth it.
