If you are trying to conceive, it is important that you and your partner need to plan things few months before to have a healthy pregnancy. Planning is meant not only for the one who is trying for their first pregnancy but also important for those who are planning for a second or even third baby. This article provides a checklist of things to be done if you are planning for a baby.
1. Have a healthy lifestyle
Have a balanced diet, especially foods that are rich in protein. Stay well hydrated. Make exercise a routine. Avoid stress and get adequate sleep. Quit smoking and alcohol and cut down on caffeine.
2. Know your family history
If you or your partner’s close family members or relatives have any birth defects or any genetic abnormalities, let your healthcare provider know about this so that they will plan any screening tests if necessary.
3. Schedule an appointment with the doctor
Both you and your partner have to visit the doctor once to see if everything is fine for conceiving. They might suggest some medications, investigations and at times even vaccination to avoid any birth defects and to have a healthy pregnancy. If you have any medical condition, discuss with your doctor whether it could affect your pregnancy and what can be done to keep it under control. If there is a history of smoking or alcohol consumption or even stress let your doctor know about them too since they could help and treat you accordingly.
4. Track your ovulation
You must start tracking your ovulation since it plays a major role in conceiving especially for women with irregular cycles. Do record other things like how long your flow of periods and whether it is scanty or heavy and your cycle duration and whether you experience any associated symptoms like cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, etc. before or during your periods.
5. Take dental care seriously
Various complications that occur during pregnancy if there is poor hygiene of teeth and gums. In severe cases it even puts you at risk of having premature birth. Do schedule an appointment with the dentist and brush, clean, floss, and rinse your teeth regularly.
6. Budgeting
While planning for a baby it is not just important that you prepare yourself physically but you also need to be prepared financially. Research on the cost priorly and see if you need any health insurance. Some couples may need various medical treatments for getting conceived if so prepare the finances before you start.
7. Preparing home
Make sure your home and even your personal care products are free from harsh chemicals that hinder your fertility such as parabens, sodium benzoate, BHA, glycerin, petroleum jelly, sulfate, and retinoids.
8. Talk and open up with your partner
It is important to discuss what to expect and what are each other’s priorities throughout the journey of conceiving as well as pregnancy. It is important to address issues priorly like how you will share tasks, work while planning to conceive, during pregnancy, & delivery and even discuss things about postpartum & childcare.
