To boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy you should try to start these
Women who are thinking of getting pregnant can make some lifestyle changes to prepare themselves for a healthy pregnancy.
Of course sometimes surprises happen and you may not have been prepared for pregnancy but it isn’t the end of the world. However, if you are the organised and get yourself ready here are a few things that can benefit.
- Get healthy- If you are a bad eater and generally don’t look after your health you should look at that first before you plan to have a kiddie. Are you in good health? And can you take steps to improve your overall health by exercising and eating nutritious food? Before you get pregnant it is ideal to be in the fullest of health that you can be so take steps to change bad habits, as once you are carrying a baby it isn’t just yourself to think about.
- Go to the dentist- During pregnancy teeth changes to your body can cause your gums to become sore and puffy leading them to bleed. It is called gingivitis and if it is left untreated it can lead to a more serious gum disease that can cause tooth lose. This is why you are recommended to see your dentist during your pregnancy and beforehand to ensure your teeth stay as healthy as possible.
- Stop drinking/smoking- It is fairly obvious are we are very aware of the dangers of drinking or smoking while pregnant can bring which is why it is advisable to abstain from both once you are actively trying to get pregnant.
- Talk to your doctor- Once you have decided you are ready to have a baby consider going to your doctor for a check-up and ask for any advice they may have.
- Begin to take folic acid- Folic acid should be taken for the first trimester of your pregnancy to protect your unborn child from spina bifida. Even if you aren’t pregnant there is no harm taking it to prepare as it could be a few weeks till you realise you are pregnant and in the meantime the folic acid will have been doing its job!
- Have a good chat with your partner- Now is the time to sit down with your partner and have a chat about your hopes for the future which includes having a child. You both need to be on board with this big adventure and little things like money planning and where you live are factors that must be discussed. Sure having a baby is an amazing experience but it is also stressful so to prepare properly ensure you both have a good grip on what will happen once the new arrival comes along.
Best of luck ladies x
Written by Emma, staff writer with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie and Irish mummy blogger. Check out her own blog at emmasmadjotters.com
