6 important things you should do before getting pregnant
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You are finally ready to start a family and get pregnant. Yay! Congratulations on this amazing and big decision. Even though you may think that there’s really not much to it than just doing the deed. I’ve got news for you mama, there are a few important things that you should do before trying to get pregnant. Think about it, you’re going to have a little human inside of you who needs care, love and attention. In order to provide all of those things to your baby, you need to care for yourself first.
Making important and smart decisions before getting pregnant will actually help you in your journey of conceiving a baby. You will be on your way to having a happy and healthy pregnancy. I’m so happy to share with you these 6 important things you should do before getting pregnant, to prepare you and give you helpful insights. Remember that being pregnant is a very special and blessed journey in a woman’s life. Enjoy it by making better decisions before getting pregnant.
Some factors that can affect the chances of getting pregnant fast:
- infertility
- endometriosis
- pcos
- irregular periods/menstrual cycle
- Not tracking ovulation
Hope you find these 6 things to do before trying to conceive tips helpful!
6 important things you should do before getting pregnant
1.Speak to your healthcare provider
Once you have decided that you are ready to start a family, you need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will guide you into having a healthy pregnancy. This is the perfect time, where you can ask your doctor about anything that you want regarding getting pregnant. Do not hold back!
Making an appointment with your doctor is a very important step to take. If you are taking any medications, your doctor will advise you to either stop it completely or lower your dosage. These are all important things that needs to be taken care of in order for you to start the process of getting pregnant.
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2. Stop using birth control
Another important thing that you are going to stop doing is taking your birth control. Whether that is, the pills, the shot, or if you have an IUD, it needs to be removed before you even think about trying to get pregnant. Also, if you have been on the pill for a long time (a couple of years), your body needs time to re-adjust to its normal self.
You now have the green light to have unprotected sex with your partner. Tracking down your basal body temperature is a good way to know when you ovulate. During ovulation your body temperature rises, therefore increasing the chances of getting pregnant.
Read this next:
Everything you need to know about ovulation!
6 ways to know if you are pregnant before taking a pregnancy test
3. Stop your bad habits
A very very important thing you should do before getting pregnant is to stop your bad habits. Lifestyle changes, for example, if you are a smoker, even an occasional smoker, you need to stop. You can definitely ask your doctor for help if you can’t stop cold turkey. If you drink alcohol, you need to stop way before getting pregnant. And of course if you use drugs, please stop right now, it’s not healthy for you and it will definitely not be healthy for your soon to be baby.
Smoking, doing drugs and drinking alcohol during your pregnancy can cause birth defect to your child and can decrease the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Also, it can also put your baby at a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death. Please take care of yourself and your unborn baby by making smart healthy decisions.
Read this next:
15 life changing things to do before trying for a baby
Signs and symptoms of a miscarriage + how to reduce risk of having one
4. Healthy lifestyle
I recommend you to start having a healthier lifestyle the minute that you decide to get pregnant. This includes, eating healthier by eliminating greasy and fattening food. I mean, not completely let’s be serious, you can enjoy a good juicy burger but not everyday! Start incorporating exercise into your daily activity as this can make you feel good during your pregnancy and have an easier labor. Take supplements like folic acid supplementation, eat more whole grains, and limit your caffeine consumption.
5. Start taking prenatal vitamins
Start taking your prenatal vitamins girl! Yes, you can start taking prenatal vitamins even before you get pregnant. This will help you have the essential vitamins and minerals you need already in your body. Also, another important reason is that prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which can prevent birth defects. Taking your prenatal vitamins before and during your pregnancy greatly reduces this risk.
6. Is your partner on the same page as you?
This is a very important question to ask yourself before getting pregnant. Is your partner as ready as you are to start a family? Just because you are ready it doesn’t mean that your partner is. So, take your time to speak with your partner about your feelings towards starting a family. Explain to your partner about why you think you are ready and let him/her also have a say in this decision. It is best if you are both on the same page because you are going to enjoy your pregnancy and be happy and so will your partner.
Quick recap:
Being ready and knowing that you have made a very important decision to start a family is very exciting. You are going to be a mom for the first time! Even if you think that you only have to do the deed with your partner and boom! you’re pregnant, there’s so much more to it than just that. There are questions to be answered, for example, is your partner ready? Was it a mutual agreement to start a family? Once the answer is yes, then there are other things to take care of.
You need to immediately call your health care provider and set up an appointment with them. Your doctor will guide you the best way he/she can in order for you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. If you are taking any medication, your doctor will decide if you should stop it completely or lower your dose. If you’re using any birth control method, you will have to stop taking it and concentrate on stopping your bad habits (if you have any). You can start having a healthier lifestyle buy incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet and exercising more.
I really hope you found this article helpful in knowing what are some of the important things that you should do before getting pregnant. Good luck mama!