Are you thinking about getting pregnant but have no clue where to start?
Don’t worry as there are many women across the world who are in the exact same position as you. Whilst the act of falling pregnant is something that is taught and discussed, not many mention the conditions that your body should be in for a healthy pregnancy.
From what you should eat to what you should avoid, there are so many wives’ tales you could come across that may end up confusing you.
Below is a simple guide advised by this clinic that offers IVF treatment, which outlines easy changes you can make to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Avoid alcohol
Whilst a glass of wine here and there may seem harmless, it is extremely important that you aren’t ingesting any alcohol whilst you are preparing your body for pregnancy.
This is because alcohol can affect your fertility and lower the chances of conceiving. Drinking during the pregnancy can also lead to serious problems with your baby, such as premature birth, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
A healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet is something that you should already be practicing, however, can make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of your baby.
Be sure to choose a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins and whole grains. Whilst it can be tempting, try your best to stay away from processed fatty foods.
Caffeine intake should also be monitored with no more than 2 cups of coffee a day.
Exercise
Once again, exercise is important for everyone to complete on a regular basis. However, it is even more important to focus on before and during pregnancy. This is because women who are overweight may find themselves struggling with medical issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Likewise, women who are underweight may struggle with hormonal imbalances that can lower the chances of falling pregnant.
It can definitely be stressful when trying to conceive as there is no fixed timescale, with each pregnancy being different to the next.
Alongside the tips above, be sure to get in contact with your doctor to discuss your vitals and any underlying issues that may need attention beforehand. Best of luck!
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post