10 Things You Should Know When You Are Trying To Get Pregnant
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Are you are planning to have your offspring? Does the idea of conceiving seem daunting? Are you confused about what to do and what not to? If you can relate to these questions, you should consider reading our post.
Pregnancy is one of the most difficult and sensitive phases of your life. You need to follow a healthy lifestyle free from stress and sorrow, consume a well-balanced diet and spend fruitful time with your partner. All such factors can enhance the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Here, we discuss some vital things you need to know before you try for a baby. With adequate information of healthy pregnancy, you can conceive without any pregnancy complexities.
Things You Should Know When You Are Trying To Get Pregnant:
1. Schedule A Preconception Visit With A Gynecologist:
The doctor can examine both you and your partner and ask either or both to undergo certain medical tests. The medical tests ensure that you are healthy enough to give birth to your offspring. In case of any health complexities, the doctor may prescribe vaccinations. Some of the vital tests may include the blood test and urine test. If you suffer from any sexually-transmitted diseases, the doctor may suggest suitable medications or treatments to treat your health complexities.
If you or your partner has any medical history of genetic or hereditary disease, the doctor will take note of that point. With a proper preconception visit, couples can plan on offspring (1).
2. Avoid Taking Non-Prescribed Medications:
A woman planning to take her steps towards motherhood should stop consuming non-prescribed medications. Some of the strong drugs, to avoid include:
- Accutane for Skin Infections
- Coumadin to inhibit blood clotting
- Tetracycline for viral skin diseases
- Valproic acid for chronic disability
- ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
- Imitrex for in migraine pains
- Plaquenil for Malaria
It is always better to consult your doctor for alternatives for the medicines here (2).
3. Avoid Stress:
Stress can interfere with the conception process and can lead to several health complexities. Stress affects the basic functioning of internal body glands, especially the Hypothalamus. It is the gland of the brain that interconnects to control human emotions. It regulates the hormones, which help release the eggs from the ovaries. Excessive stress can disturb the ovulation cycle, and you can miss your opportunity to conceive (3).
4. Consume Folic Acid:
Consuming folic acid supplements is good for women who wish to conceive. Consume 400 micrograms of folic acid tablets once a day, for at least one month before you plan to conceive. It can reduce the chances of neural-tube defects. Consuming folic acid prevents birth defects of the offspring and enhances his mental health.
5. Avoid Caffeine:
Caffeinated products like coffee or chocolates, can adversely affect the ability to conceive. Coffee consumption has links to infertility in women. It reduces hormone production in the woman’s body, which can lead to infertility. It is safe to consume 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily while trying to conceive. If you are a coffee lover, limit your consumption rate and instead include herbal tea or green tea in your food regime. Before buying any caffeinated products, read the labels carefully.
6. Avoid Alcohol And Smoking:
Alcohol contains harmful chemicals, which can induce infertility in a woman. Most medical practitioners recommend avoiding alcohol if you plan to have a baby. Similarly, smoking reduces the sperm count and causes infertility in the male (4).
7. Adopt A Healthy Diet:
If you are trying to conceive, it is important you take note of your diet. To increase your chances of positive pregnancy, include some vital foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, milk-based products and fortified grains or cereals in your diet. Avoid consuming spicy or oily foods. Make sure that you include enough fluid in your daily food regime. With appropriate dietary changes, you can overcome pregnancy complexity and maintain a healthy body weight.
8. Include Iodine In Your Diet:
If you are planning to get pregnant, you need to increase your iodine content. If the amount of Iodine is insufficient, you may suffer from a brain or nervous system disorders, which may inhibit your chances of getting pregnant. Some of the important food elements, which contain a high percentage of iodine are:
- Whole wheat bread
- Milk-based Products
- Salt
- Seafood
It would be impossible to get an adequate quantity of iodine from the diet alone. In such cases, you may have to consume iodine supplements. Oral supplements should be around 150mcg daily. If you have any thyroid problems, consult the doctor and take necessity medications.
9. Talk To Your Mom:
A woman’s best friend is always her mother. Your mom is the only person who can guide you through pregnancy. Before you plan a baby, have a healthy conversation with your dear mom. She may also share her experiences and let you know, what can be beneficial to your health.
10. Reduce Environmental Risks:
To eliminate all kind of environmental risks and dangers, try to lead a healthy lifestyle. If you travel on highly polluted roads, wear a mask. It helps prevent harmful gasses or particles from entering your body. Exposure to chemicals or radiation can be dangerous. Make some changes in your lifestyle before you conceive.
Finally, keep in mind that some of the chemical-based cleaning products as solvents, detergents, pesticides can be dangerous to your health. Your drinking water may contain harmful lead or dust particles. Environmental risks can cause pregnancy complexities, and you may not be able to conceive when you are willing.
With all such precautionary measures, you can easily conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. Many of the couples remain confused about the idea of pregnancy, and they do not understand what things are important during the preliminary period of pregnancy.
Did you adopt appropriate precautionary measures, before giving birth to your offspring? What was your doctor’s advice? Share your story with other would-be-moms here!
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