10 Essential Things You Should Definitely Do Before Getting Pregnant
Do you have a bucket list? Many people usually have a bucket list for places to visit, things to do before they turn a certain age, etc. Here is a to-do list that you should follow before you plan on getting pregnant.
Pregnancy is a great experience for any woman. The idea of a baby arriving itself causes the greatest joy, but the truth is, a lot depends on how prepared you were to become pregnant and the phase of life that you are in.
It is always recommended that you are better prepared for the oncoming pregnancy by all means. This involves several medical, emotional and personal factors. You will be initially clouded with too many thoughts, but eventually settle down with the process in a gradual manner.
What Things To Do Before Getting Pregnant:
While you will be excited, anxious and worried about various aspects of pregnancy and post partum, there are few things to be borne in mind. Before you take that final step towards your progressing trimesters, here is a list of things you should do before getting pregnant:
1. Undergo Thorough Pre-Natal Check Up:
Once you are pregnant, it is absolutely important to pay attention to the first pre-natal checkups with your doctor. Get a thorough examination done as per the recommended standards.
- If you are on any medications for a pre-existing medical condition, convey the information to your doctor right away.
- You will be prescribed the regular intake of Iron and Folic Acid tablets as part of pregnancy.
- Following the prescribed supplements is very important, as folate and iron play a predominant role in the complete term of pregnancy.
2. Get A Genetic Carrier Screening:
Screening for genetic carriers is often left out of priorities. This is partly because the procedure is not mandatory and partly when you don’t want to make an extra effort where conspicuous risks are not seen. However, it is ideal to get yourself and your partner tested after a session with genetic counselling.
- Genetic carrier screening rules out if you or your partner are the carriers of gene based illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell etc.
- The best part of the procedure is that it is covered by most health insurance options.
- Identifying the possible carriers and weighing the choice to have a healthy baby go a long way in shaping the future of another life.
3. Get Rid Of Addictions:
If you were a subject of substance abuse before, it is very important that you get rid of all the prior addictions like smoking, alcohol and drugs before you conceive and deliver.
- There is no excuse or minimal threshold limits of tobacco or alcohol for a safe pregnancy.
- Drinking, smoking and drugs have harmful effects on the growing foetus, sometimes leading to stillbirths and miscarriages.
- Handle your vulnerability here, as a lot depends on your own efforts.
4. Say NO To Unhealthy Foods:
Like practicing before running a marathon, you now have to prepare your body for pregnancy. The first step is to detox and cultivate healthy eating habits. Packaged and preservative-laden foods must go!
- Make sure that your cravings are mostly for healthy foods. It is useful to stock up your refrigerator with good food groups such as lentils, dairy products, and protein rich foods. Meat and vegetables.
- Eating home cooked food makes a lot of difference in the way your baby grows inside your womb.
- Stay away from street foods laden with spice and oils. They cause no real benefit and lead to more damage to your digestive system.
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