7 ways to prepare your body for pregnancy
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Congratulations on your decision to start a family! I am so excited to see that you are researching steps to take before you get pregnant.
This is something I regret not doing before my first pregnancy. Everything turned out fine, but there were quite a few things I could have done differently that would have decreased complications and made the transition to pregnancy and then motherhood much easier.
Preconception is the phase before conception, during which a couple can take steps to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Here are some tips I have come up with for preconception to help increase the likelihood of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy and delivery...
Schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor or midwife to discuss any health issues, medications, and lifestyle changes that may affect your pregnancy. This will help you identify and manage any chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders, as uncontrolled conditions can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Lifestyle changes before pregnancy can play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby. It is also important to note that you do not have to go to your gynecologist and can see a midwife, which might be a better fit for you and your wishes regarding pregnancy and delivery. It is perfectly acceptable for you to interview different providers to see which one works best with you and your current situation.
Quit smoking (and vaping): Smoking can lead to complications during pregnancy and can harm the baby's health. If you smoke, consider quitting as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to quit smoking. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important. Smoking and secondhand smoke can harm both the mother and the developing fetus. This article discusses how smoking can affect not only the fetus, but the fetus’ future grandchildren. >>>mind blown emoji or gif<<<
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you feel lost when trying to sift through different diets and exercise plans, consider working with a health coach. To see what services I offer and how I might be able to help you prepare for pregnancy follow this link. It will be much more difficult to try and start a new exercise routine while pregnant or after the baby is born (trust me, I know from experience.) Exercise can be so incredibly beneficial in prepping the body for pregnancy, during pregnancy (for both mom and baby,) and during your postpartum period. Exercise can help you overcome baby blues/ postpartum depression and anxiety. This book really helped me understand the connection between exercise, eating healthy and mental health.
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: High levels of caffeine and alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy. Caffeine is a stimulant that is often found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some soft drinks. While it is generally considered safe for adults, there is some concern about the effects of caffeine on a developing fetus. Studies have shown that high levels of caffeine consumption during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Caffeine can also cross the placenta and affect fetal heart rate and breathing. To minimize the risks associated with caffeine consumption during pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women limit their intake to 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. It's important to note that caffeine can also be found in other products, like energy drinks and some medications, so it's important to read labels carefully. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have about caffeine or other aspects of your diet. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you are looking for a coffee alternative you should research Reishi coffee. Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi mushrooms, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving liver function. This book discusses the benefits of reishi mushrooms during pregnancy. The author discusses how calm and peaceful babies of mothers who consumed reishi during pregnancy are. A great brand of reishi coffee is Organo King Coffee.
Alcohol is known to have a negative impact on fertility in both men and women. It can interfere with the hormonal balance and disrupt the menstrual cycle in females, leading to irregular periods and difficulty in conceiving. In males, alcohol can decrease the production of testosterone, which is necessary for healthy sperm production. In addition, alcohol consumption can also cause damage to the DNA in both male and female reproductive cells, which can increase the risk of birth defects and miscarriages. It can also cause damage to the liver, which plays an important role in regulating hormone levels and processing toxins in the body. Therefore, it is important to limit alcohol consumption when trying to conceive. It is recommended that women trying to conceive should avoid alcohol altogether, while men should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day. By doing so, couples can increase their chances of conceiving a healthy baby. If you feel that you are having a difficult time taking the edge off after a stressful day you might consider taking some supplements that are know to have a calming effect such as ashwaganda or L-theianine. If you are having difficulty cutting alcohol altogether you might research candida. Candida is a fungal overgrowth that can take place in our bodies, usually caused by overuse of antibiotics and yeast products (i.e. alcohol.) When we have Candida overgrowth in our body, we crave sugar and alcohol and cannot seem to find the will power to quite indulging in these substances. I am speaking from experience, as I have worked with a practitioner to do a Candida cleanse and I was able to finally say no to sugar (something I have worked on my entire life.) Here are some resources regarding candida overgrowth and how to get rid of it.
Manage stress: Stress can affect your fertility and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Stress is a natural part of life and can affect people in many different ways. It's no secret that stress can have a negative impact on our bodies, but did you know that it can also affect pregnancy? When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes many changes as it prepares to support the growth and development of a new life. These changes can be stressful, and when combined with external stressors, they can lead to complications. Research has shown that high levels of stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage. Additionally, stress can affect the developing baby's brain and nervous system, potentially leading to long-term developmental and behavioral issues. It's important for pregnant women to find healthy ways to manage their stress, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist. They should also reach out to their healthcare provider if they are experiencing significant stress or anxiety during pregnancy.
Take minerals and a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folate (AVOID folic acid which is the synthetic version of folate), which can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Check out this book to understand more about the difference between folate and folic acid. Making sure your body is not deficient in vitamins and minerals will help ensure that your baby has all the nutrients it needs. You might also consider adding minerals to your water. Adding minerals to water can have several benefits for human health. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help improve the taste of water and also provide important nutrients that are essential for maintaining good health. Minerals can also help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and provide a source of hydration that is free from harmful chemicals and contaminants. Overall, adding minerals to water can be a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being.
Avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals and toxic substances in the workplace or at home. Harmful chemicals can affect your fertility: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and phthalates, can affect your reproductive system and make it harder for you to conceive. Toxins can harm your developing baby: Exposure to chemicals and toxins during pregnancy can harm your developing baby's organs and brain. This can lead to lifelong health problems, including developmental delays, behavioral problems, and even cancer. Chemicals can be found in everyday products: Many everyday products contain harmful chemicals, including cleaning products, cosmetics, and certain plastics. It's important to read labels and avoid products that contain harmful chemicals. To protect yourself and your developing baby, it's important to avoid exposure to chemicals and toxins as much as possible. This can include eating organic foods, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding certain cosmetics and plastics. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. A great account to follow on social media is Just Ingredients. The owner, Karalynne gives so many different options to swap out products that you might currently be using, that contain harmful toxins. It is also important to note that you will never be able to be completely toxin free, as there are toxins everywhere. The best way to approach this and not get overwhelmed, is by focusing on what you can control and slowly switch out your products when you run out of something. It is a process and will take time. Give yourself grace.
By following these tips, couples can increase their chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. I hope you found this information useful and wish you the very best!
