Pregnancy is a wonderful time of life with a lot of unexpected moments here and there. If you can do a little preparation before you get pregnant, you can help things go smoothly for yourself, your baby and your household. Here are some ways that you can prepare for pregnancy even before you get pregnant.
Most likely, you won’t realize that you are pregnant for the first three or four weeks of your pregnancy. Meanwhile, anything you ingest could affect your baby, such as prescription drugs or alcohol. A good rule of thumb is to act as though you are pregnant before you are pregnant. Get a physical to make sure that you are healthy. Talk to your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins, and develop an exercise plan. Folic acid taken before pregnancy is very important.
Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy and are in great shape before getting pregnant usually have an easier time with labor. Plus, carrying a baby in the last months is hard physical work. The better shape you are in, the better your body will be ready for the challenge! Avoid rigorous exercise when you suspect you are actively trying to get pregnant, or clear it first with your doctor. Remember that pregnancy is not the time for a weight loss plan, so if you are overweight, try to drop the pounds before getting pregnant.
Now is also the time to check your immunizations and get booster shots if needed. Some immunizations do wear out over time, such as rubella. A simple blood test will tell you if you need a booster.
Birth control pills should usually be stopped two months before trying to get pregnant. meanwhile, an alternate form of birth control should be used.
Consider changing your diet now to include more of the following foods: green leafy vegetables, broccoli, oranges, bananas, milk and yogurt, fortified breads and cereals.
Enjoy dreaming of your new baby to be!
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