Pre-pregnancy checklist

Among the important decisions in life, deciding to have kids is one of the most important. It comes with so many changes and responsibilities. And starting a family is definitely not easy- but is completely worth it.

Before taking the plunge, you need to be sure you are ready. Finances, maternity break, the decision about working or not post-baby, if you decide to work then thinking of options of child care, support system around are few of the things you should consider and discuss with your partner.

Whether it is a first, second or third baby, now that you are thinking how to get pregnant and have a healthy baby, there are still some things you need to make sure of to be prepared.

Folic acid and other supplements

The first thing that anyone who decides to plan for a baby is start on with Folic acid supplements. Folic acid plays an important role in taking care of the baby’s neutral tube that develops in the brain and spinal cord. It has been shown to play an important role in lowering the risk for certain birth defects.

Along with Folic acid, you may need calcium as well as vitamin supplements. Thus, a visit to your doctor and an initial health check-up is essential before planning your baby.

A balanced diet

Your diet is extremely important, even when you are not planning to have a baby. But once you decide to take the plunge, you want your body to be as healthy as possible to carry your little one.  It is important for your daily diet to include a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. You will also want to cut down on fats like butter and minimize your intake of fried foods.

Eat at proper times, stay well hydrated and avoid junk food and snacks.

Common substances to avoid

Along with having a good diet, few things that you should reduce as well as some to be completely avoided

• Reduce your intake of tea, coffee and aerated and caffeinated drinks.
• If you smoke or consume alcohol, then these must be stopped completely.
• Avoid exposure to radiation, strong smells like that of solvents, paints, pesticides and hazardous chemicals

An exercise regimen

Having a healthy body is essential to be able to carry your baby. So, if exercise is not a part of your daily routine, or you are not exercising enough, now is the time to start. Try to set a goal of getting at least 30 mins of exercise per day. Keep your trainer aware of your plan to start your family so, if there are some forms of exercises that you might need to avoid, that can be considered as well.

Pre-pregnancy immunization

There are some specific immunizations required before you conceive and that depends on where you stay as well as your medical history. So discuss this with your doctor and make sure you get yourself immunized before you conceive.

Visit the dentist

A lot of women experience calcium deficiencies as well as toothaches during pregnancy. And often since most dental procedures require local anesthesia or antibiotics, often you will have to wait for your duration of pregnancy before getting the procedure. And that can be quite painful. So make sure that even if you don’t have any tooth issues, just get a regular checkup done so that you can avoid any discomfort during your pregnancy

Plan a trip with your partner

Plan a trip with your partner. Chances are that this could be your last carefree solo couple trip for a couple of years. If you enjoy adventure, partying and living on the edge, now is a good time to make one trip ad enjoy it all before the responsibility sets in. Not that you cannot travel solo after your baby. Having a good family and support system around can enable you to, but during the pregnancy and at least for the first year after the baby is born, with all the responsibilities, feeding schedules, milestones. Planning a solo trip becomes difficult.

Follow this and consult with your doctor for any other medical advice and you will surely be prepared (well, as prepared as you can😊)to take on your pregnancy