Getting ready for parenting? You need to take care of a lot of things to have a safe pregnancy and welcome your little one. This is going to be one of the most interesting periods in your life. Make sure that you use it properly and be ready. Here is a list of 15 things that you should do.
1. Check your weight
If you are underweight it can affect ovulation. You may have to gain a few pounds before becoming pregnant. Check out what is the ideal weight required and follow the necessary steps to gain those pounds. In case you have extra pounds, you have to reach an ideal weight so that you can feel good all through your pregnancy. Avoid deliberate weight changes after becoming pregnant. Consume healthy foods and do moderate exercises for making conception easier.
2. Avoid wine and cigarettes
Both smoking and drinking are a big no-no during pregnancy. Both of these can harm your child and cause a lot of health issues. In case you get pregnant without realizing it, you can even cut back on their use after knowing about it. Ask your partner also to avoid using these for getting better sperm count.
3. Take-off
If you love to travel, this is the best time to do so. Enjoy your travel now because it can be a little difficult once you have your infant with you. So check out your best locations and start right away.
4. Check your medicines
Most of you may be taking certain medications for various reasons. Some over-the-counter medications are safe during pregnancy while some are not. So consult your doctor about this and take the right steps so that you can avoid any kind of complication that could spring up later.
5. Dental care
Poor dental hygiene results in bacterial infection and can lead to preeclampsia and premature birth. So fix an appointment with your dentist and ensure that you have good dental health.
6. Vaccines
When you are getting ready to become pregnant, ask your doctor about the vaccinations that are necessary. Inoculations made from dead viruses are beneficial but those made with live viruses are not safe. Find out if you are immune to chicken pox. If not, get vaccinated immediately. Getting this vaccine when you are pregnant may harm your baby.
7. Genetic testing
If you have a family history of certain diseases like cystic fibrosis, it is better to do a genetic testing to know if you are a carrier. You can consult a genetic counselor and take a blood test to know the truth. You can be greatly relieved when you are safe.
8. Paint your living room
You should avoid all kinds of toxins when you are pregnant. They may come from all kinds of products like cleaners, pesticides, paints etc. The chemicals from these have been linked to various defects in the baby. If you want to spruce up your living room begin now. For decorating your nursery, use non-toxic paint.
9. Folic acid intake
Vitamin B helps to lower the risk of various birth defects. They form very early and some women do not realize that they are pregnant. Doctors usually recommend boosting the intake of folic acid before you become pregnant. The vitamin can be obtained from leafy green vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals. You may need 400 mcg per day before getting pregnant and 600 mcg after conception.
10. Avoid caffeine
Avoid caffeine before getting pregnant. Though there are no clear records stating the side effects, most of the experts believe that reducing your caffeine intake daily is beneficial. You should avoid taking not more than 150 mg daily. High amounts of caffeine affect fertility.
11. Reconsider your M.D.
Sometimes, you may be very comfortable with your doctor and want to continue with the same person till your delivery day. Before deciding upon your doctor, do some researches about other heath care centers and doctors. Understand how the hospital works and get more details of other birthing centers. Choose a professional whom you are comfortable with during your pregnancy.
12. Budget
Nothing comes for free. You need to work with numbers and ensure that you are able to afford everything properly from your maternity clothes to healthy foods and your child care. This can be very tedious if you do not have maternity leave. Check with your insurance provider for if childbirth is covered. Talk to your friends who had gone through such situations and get some idea about the expenses involved.
13. Cat litter box
If you have a pet cat, you should not continue to clean the litter box because you will be at a risk of contacting a disease called toxoplasmosis. You can wear a gloves and do the job. But ask your partner to take over once you are getting ready for the pregnancy.
14. Highlight your hair
There is still an ongoing debate whether dying your hair during pregnancy is safe or not. But, most of the doctors want you to be careful and hold this task till the second trimester. If required color before getting pregnant so that you can maintain your good looks for a few months.
15. Chase thrills
Many actions are considered to be risky during pregnancy. If you are in a mood for doing some of these, do them before conception. Activities such as water skiing, horse riding and skydiving, etc. can be enjoyed before you become pregnant.
