Trying for a baby is both an exciting and anxious filled time. There are many questions you have, plans you start to make, on top of the pressure of actually getting pregnant. However, there are some things that you can do before you get pregnant that are in your control and will help you and your baby have the best start.
Quit Habits That Can Affect Your Fertility
Drinking, smoking, and any recreational drugs are a big no before, during, and after pregnancy. They’re not good for your health in general, let alone when you are trying to get pregnant. If you can’t stop them on your own, make sure you get some support.
Take Folic Acid
Start taking folic acid as soon as you know you are going to be trying for a baby. You need to take it for the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, but taking it 1-3 months before gives your body the preparation and boost that it needs.
Eat A Well Balanced Diet
Eating a that is fiber-rich and contains plenty of fruit and vegetables, can help to improve your fertility. Your diet before and during pregnancy is important, and can to affect the development of your baby. If you have diabetes or any other dietary requirements, speak to a nutritionist who will be able to help you put together a great food plan for before and after your pregnancy.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Research suggests that consuming too much caffeine while trying to conceive cis not ideal. The research shows that this can apply to both men and women. Too much caffeine has also been shown to affect the development of your baby. Think about limiting your caffeine intake to 200 mg a day before you get pregnant, too.
Try To Maintain A Healthy BMI
Your BMI can be a touchy subject, however, it is an important factor when you are pregnant to assess your risks in pregnancy. You should ideally have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 before you get pregnant. Having a high and low BMI can have different adverse effects on your pregnancy.
Keep Yourself Active
Be as active as you can before pregnancy, and also try to remain active during pregnancy. Moderate exercise while you are trying to conceive can have a positive impact on your fertility, as well as having a beneficial impact on your pregnancy.
Talk To Your Doctor About Pre-Existing Conditions
Before getting pregnant you need to speak to your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially if you take regular medications. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health disorders and epilepsy are a few examples. Some medications and conditions may affect your ability to get pregnant. There may also be more risks that need to monitored throughout pregnancy. Make sure you don’t stop taking any medication without speaking to a doctor.
These are seven good things to think about before you try for a baby. Are you thinking about trying for a baby? What are you doing to prepare?
Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS is a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, and founder of Babies After 35. In her roles as a clinician, educator and researcher at UTMB-Galveston, she focuses on the care of people with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. Dr. Clark has taken a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, which according to age alone, is considered a high-risk pregnancy.
Follow Shannon on TikTok @tiktokbabydoc, Facebook @babiesafter35, and Instagram @babiesafter35.
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