Do you have any tips for preparing for pregnancy?

I'm planning to get pregnant next year. Do you have any tips for getting prepared?


I commend you for having such a mature approach to your future pregnancy. Planning for pregnancy is not always an option, but it certainly is ideal. This enables you to make proactive choices for a healthy lifestyle that will affect both you and your baby!

A healthy lifestyle starts with a balanced low-fat diet that is high in fiber, especially in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables. Follow a program of regular exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Try to get your weight to within 15 pounds of your ideal. Remember, pregnancy is not a time to be dieting! Take a daily vitamin supplement that contains folic acid to reduce the chance of certain birth defects.

The early weeks of pregnancy are very important to a developing baby. This is a time when many women do not even know that they are pregnant, and unhealthy habits may be harmful to a developing baby. The safest plan of all is to not smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs even before you become pregnant.

Now is a good time to schedule a prepregnancy visit with your doctor. Be certain that any medical conditions you have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are under control. Are you taking any medications that need to be changed or adjusted during pregnancy? Are there any genetic disorders or health concerns in your family? Should you be tested for any sexually transmitted diseases? These are all issues that should be shared with your doctor. Your doctor can also give advice about contraception prior to pregnancy, such as when to stop taking birth-control pills.

Plan ahead and make healthy decisions. The choices you make now will help insure a healthy pregnancy next year!

Labels: Getting pregnant