Make healthy changes to the bad habits you currently have to increase your chances of conceiving when you are planning to have a baby. Here are a few things you should change to prepare for the new journey.
1. Termination of contraception
Lisa Mazzullo, co-author of two books "Before Pregnancy"; "90 days of preparation for couples wanting a healthy pregnancy" said:
“Before you want to get pregnant, it's obvious you have to stop taking birth control pills. Conception does not happen immediately, as if it were the next week. You should stop using birth control pills about two cycles before you want to get pregnant; removed the UTD contraceptive one month earlier; and stop injecting oral contraceptives , such as Depo-Provera, by about three months. ”
This will give your hormones time to settle down. Also helps you track your menstrual cycle and determine the time of ovulation (the "golden" time to get pregnant). Some couples get pregnant right after stopping contraceptive methods. Always use birth control if you are not planning on having a baby.
2. Weight control
Studies have shown that being underweight and being overweight can affect fertility and fetal health. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine what your ideal weight is and what steps you need to take to get there.
3. Be physically active
Even if you're at your ideal weight, physical activity before and during pregnancy is always a healthy and beneficial change. The better you are, the easier it is to get pregnant and give birth. You can continue with your regimen if you practice regularly; just be sure not to overdo it.
Right before you conceive isn't a good time to train for a marathon or to lift heavy weights. If you're just practicing, it's not good if you try too hard. Whether you are a fitness lover or a beginner, discuss your physical activity with your doctor for advice.
4. Reduce coffee consumption
There is a conflict of caffeine's effects on fertility and pregnancy. Some studies suggest that caffeine contributes to miscarriage; But there are other studies that disagree. For added safety, experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day (about two cups of coffee). But remember, caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some pain relievers, ...
5. Relax
Stress can affect pregnancy, pregnancy, and the health of the baby. Researchers found that conception is more likely to happen over a few months when couples say they feel good and comfortable. And couples who are stressed or depressed are less likely to conceive.
Making time for yourself every day like exercising, journaling, massaging, chatting, and getting enough sleep is a healthy change and can help you relax more easily. Seek your doctor's help if you are extremely stressed and out of control.
6. Eat healthy
"You are what you eat" - can be understood as how you eat, your body will be like. And so is your baby. To properly start your pregnancy, eat foods in five groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (like chicken, eggs and beans), and dairy products. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar and make sure you drink enough water, says Dr. Mazzullo.
Making changes to your diet while trying to conceive can be a prerequisite for making more dietary changes when you are pregnant. Not to mention that it also helps you keep a healthy weight.
7. Say no to certain types of fish
The FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid eating certain types of fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish) because of the high levels of mercury. In addition, they should also limit consumption of fish low in mercury (such as canned tuna, shrimp, catfish, and salmon).
Too much mercury can damage the baby's developing brain and nervous system. While there are no specific recommendations for women who are not yet conceived, Dr. Wick says it is advisable to follow the instructions for pregnant women to form the habit.
8. Increase folate
Sufficient folate acid can help prevent birth defects in the baby's head and spine. "It's important for women to get 400 milligrams of folic acid per day as well as eat foods high in folate," said Janis Biermann, MS, Senior Vice President of Health Education and Promotion at March of Dimes. to speak.
Most multivitamins will meet your daily folate needs. Some good food sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, whole grains, whole grains, and breads. Experts recommend the healthy change to increase your folic acid intake three months before trying to conceive.
9. Add other vitamins
In addition to folic acid, you should also get enough vitamin B12 in your diet, as some studies have linked a B12 deficiency with infertility. Vitamin B6 and omega-3 have also been linked to infertility treatment.
10. Quit smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), women who smoke before pregnancy are twice as likely to delay conception and about 30% more likely to infertility than women who don't smoke. Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a low birth weight, premature birth or death of infant mortality syndrome (SIDS).
If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. "It's best to quit smoking at least one to three months before you conceive," says Dr. Mazzullo. If you plan on quitting on your own, try at least a month in advance to make sure you can. For smokers who use detox aids, such as nicotine gums or patches or by prescription, Dr. Mazzullo recommends giving the pill enough time to work. And then quit on your own for at least a month before conception.
11. Quit alcoholic beverages
Some studies suggest that pregnant women can drink some alcoholic drinks. But research has also shown that heavy drinkers have a harder time conceiving than women who drink little or abstain. "We don't really know how safe alcohol can be during pregnancy or exactly when pregnant, it could have the most serious effects," said Dr. Myra J Wick.
"If a patient is actively trying to conceive, I advise her not to drink even a bit of alcohol," she added. The same goes for marijuana and illegal drugs. If you don't want to affect your baby directly, stop early so that alcohol doesn't affect your baby.
12. Limit soda and fruit juices
Sodas and fruit juices are very high in sugar, so they raise blood sugar very quickly. That can have a negative impact on a pregnancy. Eliminating trans fats from your diet is also a good thing. Because too much fat consumption has been reported to cause infertility. Read product labels to see if you accidentally consumed trans fats in processed, packaged foods. This is the healthy change you need to make if you want to have a baby.
13. See a doctor
Of course, you will see an obstetrician quite often when you're actually pregnant. However, it is important to see your doctor before you have a baby. Dr. Mazzullo recommends that all women wishing to become pregnant should have a prenatal visit to be screened for STIs (sexually transmitted diseases), ensuring any chronic health problems, like diabetes or asthma. .
As well as to be under control, discuss any genetic disorders and / or problems with previous pregnancies. Also get an overview of your current health.
14. Vaccination
"When you are planning a pregnancy, you should make sure that you get adequate vaccinations to avoid any illness that could be detrimental to the pregnancy or the baby," Biermann said. You should get the seasonal flu vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and chickenpox if you have never been vaccinated or have been vaccinated. Since some vaccines contain live viruses, you may need to get them one to three months before becoming pregnant.
15. Stop taking the medicine
It may take a while for some medicines to pass out of your body, and some drugs are
not "friendly to the baby". "Check your list of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter with your doctor to make sure none of them are harmful to your pregnancy," says Dr. Wick. herbs and vitamins on the list.
16. See the dentist
According to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, women with gum disease are 4-7 times more likely to have a low birth weight or preterm baby. Take the time to have a dental check-up before pregnancy to make sure your dental health is in good shape. And you will also have time to treat if you have a dental problem.
17. Check your thyroid level
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is very common in women, Twenge said. "Low thyroid hormone levels can interfere with the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), impairing fertility," says Dr. Mary M. Gallenberg on MayoClinic.com.
In addition, some underlying causes of hypothyroidism - such as an autoimmune disorder or pituitary gland - can impair fertility. "And if you get pregnant, it can cause miscarriage, Twenge said. "Too low a fluctuating thyroid level can also cause birth defects, so it's very important to get this checked now."
These healthy changes will help you prepare for the best mentally and healthy when trying to get pregnant. If you can do it all, not only will you be easy to get pregnant, have a healthy pregnancy and baby, but your life will also be healthier.
See more:
What men need to do before conception
Unsuccessful conception: Is it because of you, or on both sides?