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How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Planning a baby is one of the most exciting things you can do. While it is indeed a wonderful thing, as with all things, preparation is key. Your body is about to undertake one of the most strenuous experiences you have ever been through, and you need to make sure it is ready. Read on for our top tips on how you can prepare your body for pregnancy.

Contents

Eat a healthy diet
Maintain the right body weight
Start exercising
Cut down on smoking and drinking
Reduce your consumption of caffeine
Start taking folic acid
Try to minimize stress

Eat a healthy diet

Your body is what you put into it, and thus, diet is one of the most crucial parts of your pregnancy preparation. Eat a balanced diet to keep your body in top shape. Include a good amount of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D in your diet, because research shows that deficiencies in these particular nutrients are linked to elongated menstrual cycles, infrequent ovulation, and a higher risk of early miscarriage. Have protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, eggs, and beans.

Maintain the right body weight

It’s important to stick to a healthy body weight when you’re planning to conceive. Being overweight or underweight can cause you to have irregular or missed periods. Obesity could increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or birth defects, and can also have a harmful effect on foetal health.

Start exercising

Your body goes through a lot during the course of a pregnancy. Being physically active before your pregnancy will help in several ways. The fitter you are, the easier your pregnancy and delivery will be. Just be sure not to overstrain yourself or push yourself too hard. Brisk walking, yoga exercises, light jogging and swimming are good ways to keep yourself in good physical shape.

Cut down on smoking and drinking

If you are planning to get pregnant, you need to say no to smoking and alcohol right now. Smoking can harm your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. Cigarette toxins cause damage to a woman's eggs, interfering with the fertilization and implantation process. Smoking can also cause the ovaries to age. Alcohol can have a deterrent effect on your chances of getting pregnant as well. Medical studies have specifically linked alcohol consumption with a decreased ability to get pregnant. Moreover, alcohol may also harm a developing foetus.

Reduce your consumption of caffeine

It’s a good idea to cut down on the daily caffeine intake while you’re attempting to conceive. Research shows that caffeine could affect female hormone levels and interfere with ovulation and conception. Keep in mind that it's not just coffee – chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, and some cold and pain medications also have caffeine.

Start taking folic acid

You should increase your folic acid intake three months before trying to have a baby, as it can help prevent birth defects in a baby's head and spine. Ideally, you should be getting 400 milligrams of folic acid every day. You can also get folic acid from certain high-folate foods. Some good food sources are leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains, and citrus fruits. Ask your doctor about taking folic acid supplements to meet your daily intake.

Try to minimize stress

It is normal to get worked up at this exciting time, but do not let the stress get to you. Stress can negatively impact fertility, pregnancy, and your baby's health. Excess stress could disrupt your body's hormone production, making your menstrual cycle irregular. Take out some time for yourself every day. Exercising, getting massages, connecting with your partner, and getting enough sleep are various ways you can relax. If you find yourself getting too anxious, manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, listening to music, or joining a support group.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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