Experiencing pregnancy and having a child is one of the most amazing adventures one can have in life but, if you’ve had experience with fertility issues, getting there can be a bumpy road. If you have decided that you are ready to take this step, there are several things that you can do to make sure that your body is in the best shape possible to ensure that you’re able to conceive.
Today, we are going to take some time to discuss with you our pre-conception checklist. By working to incorporate these suggestions into your routine, you will get yourself several steps closer to your dream of becoming a parent.
SCHEDULE A PHYSICAL
Before you begin actively trying to conceive, you will want to ensure that your body is healthy and ready to carry a baby. Therefore, you should schedule a thorough pre-conception physical with your primary care physician or OB-GYN. During this check-up, you should expect your practitioner to review your medical and reproductive history. This should include the following:
- Making sure you are current on all your vaccinations, including tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis, and the flu shot if your doctor feels this is beneficial to your circumstances.
- Medication and supplement overview
- Pre-existing health condition review for those with conditions like diabetes, depression/anxiety, or cardiac issues
- Past pregnancies or reproductive issues such as cysts, endometriosis, or PCOS
You should also expect your practitioner to make recommendations to you about prenatal vitamins or supplements to take as well as lifestyle changes to make yourself healthier. Also, don’t be surprised if they do bloodwork to look for any blood levels that are outside of normal ranges. This could pinpoint problems that need to be addressed before you try to get pregnant.
NUTRITION CHECK
When you are working to conceive or are pregnant, it is important to give your body the best nutrition possible. You should make sure you are getting plenty of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Cutting out excess sugar and fat, along with caffeine will get your body in tip-top shape to conceive and carry a pregnancy. Before getting pregnant, you should also consider taking a prenatal to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrients. Your doctor will typically recommend a prenatal during your pre-conception visit. For more information, read 5 Things You Should Know About Prenatals.
GET ACTIVE
Pregnancy is physically taxing on your body. Being overweight or underweight can affect your ability to get pregnant. The more active you are, the better condition your body will be in. Regular exercise will help you to keep your weight under control and be better equipped to handle the physical demands that come with being pregnant.
BE A QUITTER
We know this is advice that you do not usually hear, but when it comes to smoking or recreational drug use, you should absolutely quit before trying to have a baby. There are a myriad of risks for both you and your unborn child if you choose to engage in putting these substances in your body during pregnancy. We implore you to get help and get clean. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn baby.
LOWER THE STRESS AND UP THE REST
A body that is exhausted and stressed will struggle to get pregnant. Take the time to reduce the stress in your life by ridding yourself of excess responsibilities if possible. Take “me” time and work to get adequate sleep. For more suggestions read Stress While Trying to Get Pregnant – 5 Ways to Cope.
We are excited that you are looking to add to your family and wish you all the best. We hope that this guide assists you in getting ready for this new chapter.
