Research-backed
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Pregnancy is a new and exciting phase in a woman’s life, but moments as big as this one often come with huge lifestyle changes. If you plan to have a baby, know that keeping fit and healthy is the stepping stone to a less stressful pregnancy.
You know what this means, don’t you?
You can do anything from exercising to practicing mindfulness and, more importantly, following a nutritious diet.
Don’t worry; we know this can all be very overwhelming. So we’ve made a list of things you can do to focus on what really matters before trying to get pregnant — improving your health.
Here are SIX things you can practice to improve your health.
1. Attain A Healthy Pre-pregnancy Weight
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Maintaining your weight before pregnancy is critical. It will improve your chance of conceiving and reduce the risk of any further complications in your pregnancy.
If your body mass index (BMI) is anywhere between 30 and higher, it can reduce the odds of you having an orderly ovulation cycle, not to mention that obesity influences the outcomes of IVF! So keep your weight in check to stay in the clear from any extreme worries about having a stressful pregnancy (1).
2. Focus On Your Nutrition
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The food and beverages you consume highly influence your bodily functions. So if you’re someone who doesn’t have nutritious meals, make the switch to eating healthier right away! You can also start taking prenatal vitamins after consulting with your healthcare provider. Your baby will need nutritional support, and to get there, your body needs to create a comfortable environment for the little one.
3. Create An Exercise Routine
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Your body and mind react to things differently. So why stick to an exercise routine that’s not designed for just you?
Visit your gynecologist before you adopt any health regime. Make sure you mention your previous health conditions and what you want to achieve! Once you get a thumbs up, get started on your journey to becoming fitter and having a baby.
4. Make Necessary Lifestyle Changes
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You need to give your existing lifestyle a thought if you are trying to conceive. Not just you, your partner can chime in the process to lead a healthier life.
Stay current on all your vaccinations, avoid smoking, and, more importantly, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Discuss any prospective health condition that may cause a hindrance in your pregnancy (2).
5. Improve Your Fertility
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The journey to conception isn’t always a happy one! So it goes without saying that improving fertility is relevant for both you and your partner. Getting pregnant will need you to carry through processes of ovulation and fertilization aptly. Follow your period tracker and calculate the best time to try and conceive. And while you’re at it, try to avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, and smoking. It affects your hormones big time (3).
6. Keep Your Mental Health In Check
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Having a baby is a huge deal. It’s going to change the way you will need to do things. So it can be overwhelming. Though pregnancy is supposed to be the most joyous period in your life, it often creates a stressful environment for mothers. So if you are on your way to conceiving or are already expecting your baby, don’t let anxiety keep you from enjoying this journey. Talk about the ins and outs of what you constantly feel, consult a therapist, practice meditation — try to stay mentally fit.
By staying in control of your body and mind on most days, if not all, you will be on your path to creating a haven for your baby. And while it’s not always easy to reach the conception stage, just remember that there are many other ways to have a baby and grow your family. Don’t cause excessive stress by limiting yourself. But before reaching any conclusions, meet with your gynecologist. You just need to hop on board the train and get through the end of the tunnel, as that’s where a rewarding experience of motherhood awaits you!
