10 Ways To Prepare Your Body For A Baby - Page 8

Having a child is one the biggest moments a woman will ever have to plan. But planning a pregnancy takes more than cleaning out your spare room for a nursery or putting money aside for the baby’s college fund. You have to be physically prepared to carry your bundle of joy.

Did you know that obesity can cause hormonal imbalances that reduce a woman’s chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby? That’s just one commonly overlooked factor that can affect your fertility. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant soon, you’ll want to start preparing your body as soon as you and your partner agree the time is right. Here are some things you should do ASAP.

Consult your doctor   

It is recommended that women pay the doctor a visit at least three months before putting a bun in the oven. This is called a preconception checkup. Have your breasts, lungs, heart, and blood checked. A pap smear will also help you detect any infections and issues that cause cervical cancer, which can make fertility difficult.

Get physical   

Making exercise a regular part of your life before trying to conceive will help you feel good throughout your pregnancy. Baby weight will drop faster and you will have more stamina for the labor and delivery.

Clean your gut out   

We live in a world full of toxins, from air pollution to contaminated food! Cleansing your body and switching to a healthier lifestyle beforehand gives you less to worry about when trying to conceive. Certain foods cause inflammation in the digestive system, leading to acne, stomach aches, hormone imbalance, and infertility.

Stop smoking immediately  

Everyone knows that smoking while pregnant is a hazard, but what about the effect it has on trying to become pregnant? Smokers take longer to conceive than non-smokers and tend to have fertility problems. Even women who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk.

Start taking vitamins  

Doctors suggest women take prenatal vitamins before conception. You can also opt for a multivitamin, but it must contain at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily if you’re goal is to get pregnant.

Get rid of the junk food   

Junk food is another reason why it’s so important to cleanse your digestive system before pregnancy. Studies have been linked to the maternal eating habits and the food choices of children. This means the more junk food mom eats while pregnant, the more the baby will crave later in life. Give your children a healthy start!

Beware of the chemicals you use around the house. 

Many of your household cleaning products are pumped with unnatural chemicals that aren’t the greatest to inhale or touch. You should also avoid mixing chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. Beware of aerosols as well.

Know your family history  

What illnesses run in your family? Have the women in your family suffered a miscarriage? Knowing these things will help your physician detect things that don’t always reveal themselves through examination. If you are adopted, or just have no point of reference, scheduling a preconception checkup is direly important.

Reduce your stress 

Stress is normal, but if it becomes consistent it can affect your hormones and the chances of you getting pregnant. In a 2010 study, women were less likely to conceive when they exhibited a higher level of a stress-related enzyme called alpha-amylase.