It is heartening to know that you as a couple have decided to become parents. Your decision to become a mother reflects that you are mentally prepared to take on the new responsibilities which come with motherhood. However, there are few things to do before getting pregnant. These steps would ensure that your and the baby’s health is taken care of and you have a trouble-free and a comfortable pregnancy.
Schedule A Preconception Visit To Your Doctor
Once you have decided to become a mother, one of the few things to do before getting pregnant is to schedule a visit to your doctor. The doctor will assess your health, medical history of your family, current medications that you might be taking etc. Inform the doctor about any contraceptive pills that you are taking. This is because you need to stop consuming them as soon as you can. Apart from these aspects, the doctor will also check your height, weight, BMI, blood group etc. The doctor may also advise you to take tablets of iron or folic acid. You will also be checked for the presence of any sexually transmitted disease.
Stop Unhealthy Habits
One of the few things to do before getting pregnant is to stop a lot of unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol etc. Some pregnancy books might allow a little bit of red wine in order to increase the count of red blood cells in the bloodstream. But since the safe limit of alcohol is not predetermined, the fetus might suffer from the side effects and this could result in low birth weight. Do not venture out to places where there is a lot of passive smoking. This intake of second hand smoke too is harmful. Do not eat tinned or canned foods.
Get Fishy
If you are a non-vegetarian and love eating fish, then this is the time to consume fish to your hearts content. One of the few things to do before getting pregnant is to consume fish especially sardines, herring, salmon etc. The FDA and EPA recommend at least 12 ounces of fish on a weekly basis for pregnant women. So start early. Fishes are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. This is necessary for the proper growth and development of the brain and eye of the fetus. Fishes also contain a high amount of protein and other micronutrients which are essential for the overall growth and well being of the child.
Get Your BMI Checked
Getting your BMI or Body Mass Index checked is one of the few things to do before getting pregnant. Your BMI will indicate whether you are obese or you need to put on some more weight. An excessively high or low BMI could be the reason for difficulties in getting pregnant. You need strength and endurance for your pregnancy. Choose a healthy diet which includes a lot of fresh vegetables, cereals like oats, barley and a lot of fresh juices. If you are not of the workout types then get into the habit of walking. Go for a walk for at least 30 minutes daily. This will strengthen your muscles as well as your heart.
Make An Appointment With Your Dentist
Most women fail to see the connection between pregnancy and their teeth. Dental problems could slowly affect the fetus if left unchecked and unattended to. For example, women with bleeding or loose gum often give birth to children with low birth weight. Hence, one of the few things to do before getting pregnant is to set an appointment with your dentist and get the oral health of your mouth checked. Another reason to visit your dentist is that during pregnancy, there is a lot of fluctuation in the levels of hormones. This affects the gums and teeth and sometimes, you could end up having excessive plaque, bleeding gums, tender or sore gums etc. Taking care of your periodontal health could mean a lot in having a trouble-free pregnancy.
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences in the life of a woman. It is the child which can make you a mother. The above mentioned few things to do before getting pregnant are important and can pave a way for a successful pregnancy. However, it is equally important for you as a would-be mother to be happy and positive in your heart. Keep finances ready for any eventuality and check with the medical insurance guy. Stay calm and do not take undue tension.