Fertility and health are intrinsically linked. So, before you subject your body to the rigours of pregnancy, you must ensure you are in the best possible health, especially if you are committed to a natural delivery. Being in optimal health can increase the likelihood of a safe, healthy birth for you and your child. Let us help you get started by sharing how you can prepare your body for pregnancy.
Tip #1: Seek out preconception care
Before attempting to conceive with your partner, it is essential to ensure your body is in good health and you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally ready for pregnancy. That is why we often recommend that those looking to start or grow their family seek fertility consultation beforehand.
Consulting a specialist and undergoing a checkup can help you highlight aspects of your health you can improve upon to increase your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. Even if you have previous pregnancies, it is still wise to review your health and evaluate any new risks that need to be addressed. Ideally, you should schedule preconception counselling with a provider 3 months before you start trying to conceive.
Generally, you can expect the specialist to ask various questions regarding your personal and family health histories and conduct a comprehensive assessment of your health status during the consultation. If necessary, they will also review any chronic health conditions you may have and discuss how to manage them.
Learn More: How Age Impacts Fertility: Understanding The Biological Clock
Tip #2: Take your folic acid
While folic acid does not help boost your chances of conceiving, it is still advisable for you to take it when you are trying to get pregnant and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Doing so can improve your pre-pregnancy health and prevent severe complications like spina bifida and other neural tube birth defects. You can start with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, beginning at least 30 days prior to conception.
Tip #3: Maintain a healthy diet
Maintaining a balanced diet before and during pregnancy is not only beneficial to your overall health. It is also essential for nourishing your baby. Introduce diversity to your palate, including whole grains, fruits, leafy greens, low-fat dairy, lean protein, and healthy fat (like avocados, nuts, and seeds), to prepare your body for pregnancy and provide your child with good nutrition. However, you need not give up comfort food and treats completely. It is all about moderation.
Tip #4: Get regular exercise and monitor your weight
You need not lead a constantly active lifestyle. With that said, maintaining a healthy body weight can boost your chance of conceiving and help you carry and deliver your baby more easily. Conversely, being underweight or overweight may lead to childbirth complications. So, actively manage your weight by exercising at least 30 minutes daily, even if it is a brisk walk. You can also consider flexibility and core strengthening exercises, as well as well-rounded preconception and prenatal fitness programmes.
Tip #5: Avoid harmful substances
Risky behaviours like smoking and drinking alcohol can affect pregnancy. For instance, moderate (3 to 6 drinks per week) and heavy drinking (more than 6 drinks per week) during the luteal phase and heavy drinking during the ovulatory window can affect your chances of conception.
Meanwhile, smoking can reduce your fertility, harm your reproductive system, and may negatively affect hormone production. So, if you are preparing your body for pregnancy, we recommend working to quit now. Remember, you do not have to go at it alone! Your close friends and family can help you navigate this shift together.
Tip #6: Don’t stress out
Do you know what else can affect your health beyond your diet and exercise regimen? The answer is stress. In fact, it can cause various hormonal imbalances in the body. That is not exactly the best condition for conceiving. So, ensure you get sufficient quality sleep and try your best to reduce stress in your life.
Additionally, you can consider stress-relief therapies, like fertility massages, to reduce your stress level. Massaging the ovaries and the liver can strengthen the hormonal feedback loop, which helps maintain a balanced number of hormones produced within the body. Fertility massages also have the added benefit of realigning your uterus, stimulating better circulation to it and the cervix within the abdominal and pelvic bowl area, thereby improving egg health.
Whether you are preparing your body for the first, second, or subsequent pregnancy, it is essential to realise that the process is a multi-faceted journey that involves optimising your health and well-being. With adequate preparation and care, you will soon be ready to embrace the journey to motherhood with confidence!
If you are encountering fertility-related problems, do not hesitate to reach out to Babies Bliss. Our specialists are here to help you understand your circumstances better. We can assess your situation to determine if our fertility massages are the right option for you and recommend the best course of action to help you increase your chances of conception. Contact us to book an appointment today.
