How To Prepare for Pregnancy
Here’s a list we’ve put together of the most important things you need to do to prepare yourself for pregnancy.
Eat health promoting foods.
This means you may need to change your diet. Foods to avoid include tea, coffee and soda. Also limit the amount of meat you eat and be sure to avoid sodium laden canned foods. That leaves lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as whole foods.
Get out and walk.
Walking is a fantastic exercise to help your overall level of fitness. If you don’t like walking or live in an area where it’s difficult to do, many experts recommend going to yoga classes.
Think about your finances.
Be realistic about when you will stop working and the costs of pregnancy and child birth.
Start taking prenatal vitamins.
It is best to add a prenatal vitamin containing iron, calcium and folic acid to your diet before you get pregnant. Folic acid is extremely important in decreasing your chances of conceiving a baby with neural tube defects.
Start thinking about who will handle your prenatal care and birthing.
Consider all your options here including hospitals, midwives and doulas. Ask your friends for recommendations. Also, visit and interview the health care providers you are considering.
Get your teeth cleaned and have a check up.
If you have cavities, need wisdom teeth pulled or need a root canal, you should get these things done before becoming pregnant. Consider having your mercury fillings removed as well.
Chart your cycle
BellyBelly has a detailed article on charting your cycle here which may all seem complex at first, but it’s as easy as riding a bike! Online charting is so easy to do and gives you a great advantage when trying to conceive, as you can see right in front of you your most fertile times and least fertile times. Another article you might find useful is our article on mucus observations here which is another great help when looking for fertility indications.
We wish you the best!
The Pregnancy Resource Team
