If you’re ready to have a baby, you and your partner need to make a variety of lifestyle changes to accommodate your future bundle of joy. Pregnancy preparation will help your mind and body adjust to this new chapter in life. Before you start trying for a baby, make sure to follow these tips and prepare yourself for this exciting journey. 

How to Get Ready for Pregnancy

1. Visit Your Doctor

Schedule a visit with your OB-GYN. A prenatal doctor will discuss your and your family’s health histories, perform a physical exam, and ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations to help you plan for a healthy pregnancy. This is also a good time to go over any health concerns you have that may interfere with conception or pregnancy.

2. Cut Out Bad Habits

Many lifestyle habits can make conception more difficult or increase the chances of pregnancy complications. Before you get pregnant, quit smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol. Limit your caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day, or approximately 2 cups of coffee.

3. Take Care of Your Body

Staying healthy is the best way to ensure you have a safe pregnancy. Eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and dairy. Avoid trans and saturated fats, as they can increase the risk of heart disease and other conditions. 

Moderate exercise, such as aerobics or strength training, for 30 minutes a day can also increase fertility. However, overexercising can harm your chances of conception, so talk with a doctor about the safest routine for you.

4. Avoid Unsafe Work Conditions

If you work with harmful chemicals, stand for long periods, or do a lot of heavy lifting, consider talking to your employer about making adjustments. Unsafe work conditions may lead to menstrual disorders, which cause reduced fertility. Physical, chemical, and biological reproductive hazards during pregnancy can also increase the chances of preterm birth and miscarriage.

5. Take Multivitamins

Diets lacking essential vitamins and minerals can make conception more difficult, and the nature of pregnancy can take a toll on your body early on. To provide the extra support your body needs, start taking a multivitamin supplement.

Folic acid is especially important for preventing neural tube defects. Look for prenatal vitamins that are specially formulated for pregnancy preparation to help you avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Pregnancy preparation is an essential first step of growing your family, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Advanced OB-GYN Services in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, you’ll receive the compassionate and professional help you need to conceive. Dr. Hazan offers a variety of services to keep you and your baby healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. Visit their website for more details about their services. To schedule an appointment, call (636) 928-1800 for the St. Peters office or (314) 291-2140 for the Bridgeton location.