There are things you can do now, before trying for a baby, to improve your fertility and the health of your child. In this article, we have covered top 8 things to do when you are trying for a baby.
Your health prior to pregnancy will have an impact on your baby’s health for the rest of his or her life. By following the advice below, you can: improve your fertility, protect your baby’s future health, and lower your risk of pregnancy complications.
You won’t know you’re pregnant for the first few weeks after you start trying for a baby (and have stopped using contraception).
Top 8 Thing To Do When You Are Trying For a Baby
1. Seek help to quit smoking.
Smoking has an impact on both men’s and women’s fertility (the ability to become pregnant). Stopping smoking now will increase your chances of conceiving. Smoking has also been shown to harm your baby’s DNA. During pregnancy, smoking is the single most preventable risk factor for serious complications.
2. Begin taking folic acid right away.
Folic acid must accumulate in your body in order to protect your baby from neural tube defects. Because many women conceive within one month of trying, it is best to begin taking folic acid two months before discontinuing contraception. If you’ve already stopped using birth control, take a 400mcg folic acid supplement daily until you’re 12 weeks pregnant.
Folic acid (5mg) may be prescribed to some women.
3. Eat healthily
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you become more fertile. Wholegrains, unsaturated fats, and vegetable proteins like lentils and beans are among the best foods.
Your diet before and during pregnancy will also have an impact on your baby’s development in the womb and future health. A healthy pregnancy diet is the same as a healthy diet for life.
If you have a condition that necessitates special diets or nutritional requirements, such as diabetes, a dietitian can assist you.
4. Reduce your caffeine consumption
Caffeine consumption while trying to conceive has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, according to research. According to the research, this is true for both men and women. Caffeine consumption during pregnancy has also been shown to be harmful to the developing baby.
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, you should limit your caffeine intake to 200mg per day. Reducing caffeine consumption is very important thing to do if you are trying for a baby.
5. Make an effort to maintain a healthy weight.
Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a calculation that uses your height and weight to determine whether or not your weight is healthy. Before conception, the ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
Being chubby
A high BMI (over 25) can reduce fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Being overweight can also contribute to male fertility issues (links to father’s health).
If you have a very high BMI (more than 30), it may seem impossible to achieve a healthy weight, and you may have struggled with your weight your entire life. Don’t give up hope; lowering your BMI by a few points can make a big difference. If you require professional assistance, it is available.
Not being overweight
If your BMI is 18.5 or lower, it may affect your fertility and cause health problems during pregnancy. A healthy diet and gradual weight gain may be beneficial. A person may be underweight for a variety of reasons. Your doctor can provide you with assistance and advice.
6. Maintain an active lifestyle
Being active by engaging in regular, moderate exercise before and after conception will benefit your fertility as well as your pregnancy and baby in the long run. Women who are physically active are more likely to have physically active children. Maintaining an active lifestyle is very important if you are trying for a baby.
The Department of Health suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week and two or more days per week of strength exercises that work all major muscles
7. Give up drinking alcohol
Excessive or binge drinking is defined as consuming alcohol in excess of recommended levels on a regular basis. Excessive drinking has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women (link to father’s health).
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy raises the risk of complications. This is especially true during the first three months of pregnancy because the baby’s brain is developing during this time. You won’t know if you’re pregnant until it’s too late, which is why it’s best not to drink any alcohol at all if you’re actively trying for a child. Some people find it extremely difficult to stop drinking alcohol. If you require assistance, there are advice and treatment services available.
8. Avoid using non-prescription recreational drugs.
Non-prescription recreational drugs, such as cannabis or cocaine, can contribute to male and female fertility issues. Illegal drugs can also lead to serious pregnancy complications. Some people find it extremely difficult to stop using drugs. If you require assistance, there are advice and treatment services available. You can further consult any IVF center/ IVF doctor near you.
We hope this article on what to when trying for a baby was helpful.
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