Procedures to follow before becoming pregnant

Procedures to follow before becoming pregnant. When pregnant, most women are aware that they must consult a doctor or midwife and make lifestyle changes. However, it is equally important to begin making changes before becoming pregnant. These steps will assist you and her body in preparing for pregnancy and will increase her chances of having a healthy baby.

Consult your doctor.

Before becoming pregnant, consult your doctor or a midwife (nurse midwife). Even if you believe you are healthy and ready for a pregnancy, your doctor or midwife can do a lot to help you prepare ahead of time.

• The doctor or midwife will examine your current health, medical history, and family medical history. Some family health issues can be passed down to your children. A genetic counselor may be recommended by your doctor.
• You may need blood tests or to catch up on immunizations before becoming pregnant.
• Your doctor or midwife will discuss any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking with you. These can have an impact on the fetus. Before you become pregnant, your doctor may advise you to make changes to your medications.
• Chronic health issues, such as asthma or diabetes, must be under control before you become pregnant.
• If you are obese, your provider will advise you to lose weight before becoming pregnant. This lowers your chances of complications during pregnancy.

Give up smoking, drinking, and drug use. reduce your caffeine intake

You must stop smoking or using other forms of tobacco, drinking alcohol, or using drugs before becoming pregnant. These substances have the potential to:

• Make it difficult to conceive.
• increase the likelihood of miscarriage (losing the baby before birth).

Speak with your doctor or midwife if you need assistance quitting smoking, drinking, or using drugs.

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can harm a developing fetus (unborn baby). Drinking alcohol while pregnant can result in long-term issues for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and facial and heart abnormalities.

Smoking is harmful to the fetus and increases the child's risk of developing health problems later in life.

• Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with low birth weight.
• Smoking also makes it more difficult to recover from pregnancy.

Drugs not prescribed by a doctor (including street drugs) can be dangerous if used at any time in your life.

When trying to conceive, you should also limit your caffeine intake. Women who drink more than two cups (500 mL) of coffee or five cans (2 liters) of soda per day may have difficulty becoming pregnant and have a higher risk of miscarriage.

Reduce the use of unnecessary supplements and medications. Before attempting to conceive, discuss with your provider what supplements and medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Most drugs have some risks, but many have unknown risks, and their safety has not been thoroughly investigated. Do not take medications or supplements unless absolutely necessary.

Consume a well-balanced diet.

Maintain or strive to achieve a healthy body weight.

A well-balanced diet is always beneficial. Before you get pregnant, eat a healthy diet. Here are some basic guidelines:

• Reduce your intake of empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine.
• Protein-rich foods should be consumed.
• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy will help you become healthier before becoming pregnant.

A moderate consumption of fish will keep you and your baby healthy. Fish, according to the FDA, is part of a healthy eating pattern. Some shellfish contain mercury and should not be consumed in large quantities. Women who are pregnant should:

• Consume up to three 4-ounce (oz) servings of fish per week.
• Large sea fish, such as sharks and sea bass, should be avoided.
• Reduce your tuna consumption to one can (85 g) of albacore or tuna steak per week or two cans (170 g) of light or light tuna per week.

If you are underweight or overweight, you should try to reach your ideal weight before becoming pregnant.

• Being overweight during pregnancy increases the likelihood of complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, and the need for a C-section.
• Trying to lose weight while pregnant is not a good idea. However, it is a good idea to try to achieve a healthy body weight before becoming pregnant.

Consume vitamins and folic acid.

Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement with at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid.

• Folic acid lowers the risk of birth defects, particularly issues with the baby's spine.
• Before attempting to conceive, begin taking a folic acid-containing vitamin.
• High doses of any vitamin, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K, should be avoided. If you take more than the recommended daily amount, they can cause birth defects. Regular prenatal vitamins do not contain high levels of any vitamin.

Workout

Exercising before becoming pregnant can help your body adjust to the changes that will occur during pregnancy and delivery.

Most women who already exercise can continue to do so safely for the majority of their pregnancy.

And, even if they aren't currently exercising, most women should begin a program of 30 minutes of light exercise 5 times per week, both before conceiving and throughout their pregnancy.

The amount of exercise you can do during pregnancy should be determined by your overall health and how active you were prior to becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or midwife about the best type and amount of exercise for you.

Rest, relaxation, and stress

Try to relax and be as stress-free as possible while trying to conceive. Inquire with your doctor or midwife about stress-reduction techniques. Get plenty of rest and take some time to unwind. These steps may help you become pregnant more easily.