Before you get pregnant, you must be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. This is what you will need to face any challenges that may arise. It is often necessary to make lifestyle and diet changes to prepare your body for the pregnancy. That said, both potential parents need to be equally invested and both need to ensure optimum health before considering creating another life.
Preparing Your Mind
Stress plays a big role in infertility for both men and women. You both must seek to limit stress as much as possible. This is often easier said than done, especially when all your friends are getting pregnant, and your family are asking questions. Be aware that you may need to seek professional help if you have not become pregnant after six months of trying. Also, with age, fertility naturally decreases.
Your current health, health history, and your family’s history all need to be assessed. You may need to have blood tests and consider supplements to prepare both your bodies.
Preparing Your Body
It is highly recommended that you both watch your weight. Excess body fat and too little body fat affect the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance. Aim to eat well by increasing your intake of a variety of proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Fish is often seen as a no-go area, but most experts seem to agree that many varieties are safe – it is best to avoid those with high mercury levels. Prenatal vitamins help your body to become ready for pregnancy.
Folic acid is a supplement that is highly recommended for the baby’s health and well-being. This can also be found in leafy vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and whole grains. Avoid trans fat, and reduce carbs, and especially refined carbs. Zinc, iron, vitamins B, C, and D, as well as an omega-3 fish oil supplement, should all be part of your daily intake. Soda and fruit juices are extremely high in sugar and not good for anyone following a healthy diet. Limit your caffeine intake, and cut out on alcohol and smoking habits.
It is also important to exercise. Consult your doctor, but it is always advised to continue your current exercise program. It is not a good idea to start a strict new regime if that may place your body under stress. If not currently exercising, walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week can provide some much-needed activity to get the blood flowing and the muscles pumping. Prenatal yoga classes and swimming are considered safe during pregnancy.
Preparing Your Spirit
Protecting your personal well-being is crucial for preparing yourselves for pregnancy. Set boundaries and give yourselves time to rest. Make time to meditate, sleep well, start journaling, get massages together, and talk about the journey you are undertaking. Share your hopes and dreams. Spend time outdoors: the stress reduction gained is therapeutic and calming. Know when to seek professional help. If you are looking for the best, affordable, boutique-style care with state-of-the-art IVF medical science, including fertility wellness treatments like acupuncture, nutrition, and other alternative therapies, look at Reproductive Health and Wellness a Fertility Clinic Orange County.
Your end target of a healthy pregnancy will be enhanced if you follow these tips and ensure that you are both equipped with all the necessary guidance and knowledge. It’s a rollercoaster ride and will be well worth the effort and wait if you remember to remain a strong and solid team.
