Find out how to get your body ready for pregnancy

 

Take folic acid daily :You should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, ideally for three months before conceiving  and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women need higher daily dosage of folic acid. Ask your doctor if that applies to you. Folic acid prevents  neural birth defects  which can occur even before you know you’re pregnant.

 

body ready for pregnancy

 

Get a preconception checkup :  See your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant.

  • Ask about vaccines, scans and tests you need
  • Control any health conditions you may have
  • Ask your doctor about  what medications you can or cant take during pregnancy

See your dentist : It is important to make sure your teeth and gum are healthy before you get pregnant and after your baby is born. Pregnancy increases your risk for gum disease and gum disease increases your risk for premature labor. You need to brush and floss daily.

 

Maintain a healthy weight : Being underweight or overweight can make it difficult for you to get pregnant.  Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also make labor last longer. Eat healthy and exercise to help you keep in shape.

 

Exercise regularly : Getting in shape  can make pregnancy and childbirth easier. Great exercises to help you get in shape include walking, cycling and swimming. You can also engage in pelvic floor exercises  and back strengthening exercises to help prepare for pregnancy .

 

Eat healthy : It is important to eat healthy before and during pregnancy. Eat more fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains  and low fat dairy products. You should cut down on junk food.

 

Cut down on caffeine. If you are someone who cant do without coffee, its  okay but you want to cut it down. It is recommended that you have a  maximum limit of 200mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy. That is around 2 mugs of instant coffee.

 

Stop smoking : Now is the time to stop if you smoke. Smoking can make it hard to get pregnant. During pregnancy , smoking can increase your risk of premature birth, low birth weight  and even miscarriage. It can also put your baby at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS. You also want your partner to stop smoking. Breathing in second hand smoke can be just as dangerous.

 

Avoid alcohol : There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking during early weeks of pregnancy may increase your baby’s risk of birth defects and learning disabilities.

 

Content Sources
Nutrition needs before pregnancy. WebMD. https://www.webmd.boots.com/pregnancy/nutrition-needs-15/default.htm. Accessed February 5th, 2018

17 things you should do before trying t get pregnant. Baby Center. https://www.babycenter.com/0_17-things-you-should-do-before-you-try-to-get-pregnant_7171.bc. Accessed February 5th, 2018

How to prepare your body for pregnancy . Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/how-to-prepare-your-body. Accessed February 5th, 2018

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