Preconception Care and Wellness: Tips to Prepare the Body for Pregnancy

Preconception care will give your baby the best possible start in life. By preparing in body and mind for the task of forming another living creature, you can help ensure that the pregnancy will be healthier, more enjoyable, and have an increased chance of a successful outcome. Here are some tips to prepare your body for pregnancy:

When Should Preconception Care Begin?

Preconception care should begin as soon as there is the chance of becoming pregnant. Ideally, a preconception care routine should be established 6-12 months before pregnancy. It is like preparing the soil to sow seed — a seed with optimum conditions is more likely to grow up to be healthy.

Though, preconception care is not just for women. The partner’s physical and mental health is also extremely important to the healthy development of the fetus. Future parents should work together to build the best possible environment to nurture offspring as soon as they begin trying to start a family.

The first eight weeks of fetal development are the most critical, and since conception cannot be exactly planned, it is imperative to be prepared well in advance for the prospect of fertilization.

Learning About the Body

Preconception care is often associated with couples who are having problems achieving pregnancy. However, all couples can benefit from tracking ovulation and being aware of the changes that occur in the body during the monthly cycle. Understanding and becoming in tune with the natural physical and mental changes that occur during the normal cycle can help to make us more sensitive to changes and adapt to them more successfully.

Visit the Doctor

Go with together to the doctor and let them know that you are planning on starting a family. The physician will be able to review your medical history and provide a thorough examination to determine any pending medical issues that could influence the successful outcome of a pregnancy. Preconception care is especially important for diabetics as birth defects can occur if blood sugar levels are not optimized adequately.

Visit the Dentist

Dental decay can have serious negative effects on our health, and periodontal disease has been linked to the chance of premature births. Get all dental work done before the onset of pregnancy to avoid submitting the fetus to unnecessary toxins.

Eat Healthy

A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for the correct functioning of the body. Try to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and stay away from fried foods. Always eat a good breakfast and try to make lunch the main meal of the day. Vary your diet as much as possible to ensure that you receive all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. Maintaining an optimum weight will help ensure the pregnancy has the best possible chance of success.

Supplements

Even for those eating an excellent diet, it can be hard to be sure we are getting enough folic acid. As folic acid is crucial to ensuring healthy fetus development, it is highly recommended that those planning to get pregnant take a daily dose of 400-micrograms as part of preconception care. It is vital to start taking this supplement before becoming pregnant to ensure fetal health and to greatly lower the risk of spina bifida and Down’s syndrome.

Exercise

Establish a regular daily exercise routine. A short morning yoga session will help you prepare for the day both mentally and physically. Three times a week, try to perform some kind of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes. This could be playing a sport, having a gym workout, a Pilates class, or even a run with the dog. The kind of exercise doesn’t matter as long as it gets the heart pumping and the body sweating. Regular exercise will help keep you in shape and prepare you for the extra stress and strain that pregnancy places on your body. Resistance training and kettlebells are excellent muscle-strengthening exercises that can make pregnancy and birth a less stressful time for your body. 

Sleep

Get at least eight hours of sleep per night. A cup of calming chamomile tea, homemade fruit tea, or a short walk before retiring will help you ease into rest if you have trouble falling asleep. Make sure the room is as dark as possible and well ventilated.

Pregnancy planning should include preparations to help ensure success. Hopefully, these tips can help you to prepare well in advance.