What Health Things Should One Do Before Planning to Have a Baby?

Having a baby is a big decision. There are lots of things to consider and prepare for, one of the most important being your health and that of your baby. To give your baby the best chance to develop and grow healthy you need to prepare your body for pregnancy. Taking these steps will help cleanse your system and get it ready to support another being.

Step Away From Alcohol and Drugs

If you have any addictions or habits you need to stop them. Quit smoking, drinking and using any illegal drugs. They are all very harmful not only to you but especially a baby. These things can cause a miscarriage, birth defects and health problems for the baby, as well as complications in the pregnancy for you.

Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin

Prenatal vitamins are filled with all the nutrients a baby will need to develop correctly, such as folic acid and DHA. Start taking a prenatal vitamin at least one month before trying to get pregnant. This will give your body time to start absorbing these essential nutrients and help regulate your system more properly from the core.

Stop Birth Control Pills

Go off the pill if you're currently on it. The hormones added to the pill take some time to leave your system, so lots of doctors recommend going off the pill at least one month before trying to conceive. Many say that you should go off and have one regular menstrual cycle before trying as well.

Get in Shape

Start eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising three to four times a week. In you are already in decent shape and health, begin this at least one month prior to trying to conceive; but if not, begin three months prior. Being overweight can increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and other conditions during pregnancy that are dangerous to both mother and baby. Exercising will help you deal better with potential morning sickness and fatigue, as well as keep you somewhat in shape as you naturally gain weight during the term of the pregnancy.

Go to the Dentist

Dental health and pregnancy go hand in hand. Go to the dentist before trying to get pregnant and have a regular check-up and cleaning. The hormone changes experienced during pregnancy can play tricks on the gums and affect the way the gums react to bacteria, thus potentially causing gum disease and swollen, bloody gums. Getting your mouth looked at before will help prevent problems from worsening and causing other problems later on.

Wean Away the Caffeine

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause problems with the baby, as it decreases the mother's body's ability to absorb iron, which is essential in having a healthy baby. Too much caffeine also increases your chances for having a stillborn. If you have a caffeine addiction, slowly wean off it, as suddenly cutting it out can cause terrible headaches.

References

• Things to do before trying to get pregnant