If you are trying to conceive, then you are probably wondering what, if anything can you do to optimize your chances of having a happy, healthy, safe pregnancy. Getting your body ready is a great start. I never realized how much pregnancy and childbirth truly does change a woman’s body until I had two kids. Now, I know that it affects the woman’s body both during pregnancy and after. Unfortunately, some negative changes are permanent, but getting your body in the best shape possible before pregnancy is the best way to bounce back after the baby arrives.
Here are a few tips to start getting ready now, before you even conceive that baby:
*Start eating right. Women need lots of fruits and veggies, plenty of water, whole grains, and lean meats while pregnant. Try to get the recommended amounts of each every day. Doing this now will not only help you feel better, but can optimize your chances of getting pregnant.
*Get your daily amount of calcium. Did you know that Yoplait yogurt has 50% of your daily amount of calcium that you need pre-pregnancy? Start by grabbing a yogurt every single day. Try to also eat lots of dark green veggies, which are a great source of calcium.
*Start taking a pre-natal vitamin now. It is never too early to start getting a pre-natal vitamin in when trying to get pregnant. The reason for this is that they are higher in folic acid than your everyday vitamin. Folic acid is essential in cell growth, and will help you when trying to get pregnant also.
*Back off the Caffeine. 1-2 cups in pregnancy has been found to be OK, but if possible, quit it altogether.
*Sleep. Pregnancy often leads to uncomfortable sleep, and we know that when baby arrives, there won’t be much sleep then either. So, aim for getting 8 hours of sleep a night while you can.
*Exercise daily, but don’t over do it.
All of these things are most likely things your doctor will recommend once you confirm you are pregnant. But, why wait until then? Get your body ready now, before baby arrives!
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