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8 Lifestyle Habits to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

8 Lifestyle Habits to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

A woman's body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, which is why it's crucial to prepare in the months beforehand. Being healthy before pregnancy is just as important as staying healthy while pregnant.

If you're considering growing your family, Dr. Sindu Pillai offers prenatal visits and lifestyle tips to prepare your mind and body. Dr. Pillai is a pediatric specialist providing compassionate care and expert advice to expectant mothers.

Why preparing for pregnancy is crucial

Planning for pregnancy isn't something to take lightly; the body experiences many physical and mental changes throughout every trimester. Pregnancy is a fun and exciting experience, and ensuring you're healthy is the best way to enjoy every moment.

Preparing for pregnancy is critical to your baby's health. Being healthy before conception decreases the chances of an unhealthy baby or complications during pregnancy.

Talking to Dr. Pillai during the planning phase helps her identify any health issues or family history that could put you or your future baby at risk. She gives you the information and tools to ensure the best chances at a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Taking specific lifestyle steps also increases your fertility, making it easier to conceive. The healthier your body is, the more likely you'll get pregnant sooner.

Eight tips to prepare for pregnancy

When you're ready to get pregnant, taking your health seriously is crucial. Dr. Pillai recommends making several lifestyle changes to improve your chances of conceiving and having a happy and healthy pregnancy.

There are many tips and tricks to get your body ready for a baby, but eight of the most critical include:

1. Quit smoking

Smoking is harmful to every aspect of your health, including fertility. It's best to quit using any tobacco products if you're planning on getting pregnant.

2. Limit caffeine and alcohol

Many women enjoy coffee in the morning or the occasional drink with friends, but both may inhibit your chances of pregnancy. It's essential to stop drinking when you're trying to get pregnant to prevent harming the fetus before you know you've conceived.

Drinking more than two cups of coffee per day may cause difficulty in conceiving. Cut back on caffeine in the months before you start trying to get pregnant.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is essential for overall health and wellness, especially when trying to conceive. Incorporate moderate exercise into your daily routine to lose weight, improve heart health, and prepare your body for pregnancy.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is a great way to improve your health and prevent chronic health issues like diabetes and obesity. These issues make it difficult to get pregnant and may pose a risk to you and your unborn baby.

5. Avoid harmful chemicals

Harmful chemicals wreak havoc on the reproductive system and are in everyday household cleaners and substances at work. It's essential to avoid harmful chemicals like weed killers, fertilizers, and bug killers when you're trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

6. Take folic acid and a prenatal vitamin

Folic acid is crucial in the healthy development of the fetus. Start taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid at least a month before trying to get pregnant to avoid neural tube defects in your fetus. We also recommend taking a prenatal vitamin to ensure your body is nutritionally ready for pregnancy.

7. Try to reduce stress

Stress happens to anyone, but it's especially harmful if you're trying to get pregnant. Overly stressed women are less likely to conceive quickly, as stress plays an integral role in ovulation and your menstrual cycle. Reducing stress is the best way to help you and your partner get pregnant.

8. Check your mental health

The body goes through various physical changes during pregnancy, which is difficult for women with mental health issues. Postpartum depression can happen to any woman, so it's crucial to speak to Dr. Pillai about any mental health problems before getting pregnant.

Call our Murrieta, California, office today to schedule a prenatal visit with Dr. Pillai or request a consultation on our website.

 

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