Preparing to come off any birth control that you may be on, in the lead up to pregnancy, can be a large step to take. Pre pregnancy care is incredibly important when thinking about trying for a baby. Mentioned below are pre pregnancy tips to follow if you are preparing to try for a baby in the near future.
Age
Age is a contributing factor when it comes to trying to conceive, as women have a limited fertile window. Women are more likely to conceive before the age of 35. After this time period there are less eggs and they tend to be lower quality.
Many older women do have healthy babies but the risk of abnormalities and pregnancy complications increases.
Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy weight range can increase your chances of conceiving. A nutritious diet and regular exercise. If you are carrying excess weight even losing a few kilograms can help.
If you have a partner it is beneficial to encourage each other to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Implementing more fruits and vegetables in your diet and consuming less salt, sugar and fats is recommended.
Getting up and about and moving is the best way to integrate physical activity into your life. It is important to try and do at least two to five hours of moderate exercise per week.
Take Folic
To prepare for pregnancy it is recommended that you take folic acid. Folic acid prevents birth defects such as neural tube defects in your baby.
Folic acid supplements are available at pharmacies or through a doctor. The supplements should contain at least 500 micrograms of folic acid. Wholegrains, dark leafy greens, dried beans, lentils and chickpeas also contain folic acid, which you can incorporate into your diet.
Make An Appointment
Attending an appointment with Dr Larwood before you try to conceive will be beneficial for a healthy pregnancy. At this appointment we will go through any questions you may have about planning a pregnancy.
Any health problems that run in your family can be identified and we can discuss any tests you may need. We recommend that any DNA testing is done by a medical professional such as Dr Larwood.
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time and therefore it is suggested that you talk about your emotional health, as you may require some extra support during this time.
It is important to note that some conditions may affect your chances of conceiving including:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Sexual Health
- Cancer
There are also ways to preserve your fertility if you’d like to have a baby in the future. This can be discussed during your appointment. For additional information on health care during pregnancy get in touch with our friendly team today.
Cut Back Or Quit
Cutting back on or quitting certain things before trying for a baby can assist with conception. These include:
- Smoking – It is important to quit at least three months before you get pregnant. Smoking can lead to miscarriage, low birth weight and other birth defects.
- Drinking – Heavy drinking can contribute to fertility problems and high blood pressure. It is a good idea to not drink alcohol while trying to conceive. Cutting back on caffeine is also recommended.
- Chemicals – Chemicals can have an impact on your fertility. Avoiding using them in the lead up to pregnancy is beneficial.
There are multiple factors to consider before trying for a baby. This advice is general in nature and it is a great idea to schedule an appointment if you have any further questions. This article is for informational purposes only and it is important that you seek medical advice for any health conditions, diagnosis or treatment.
Dr Kelvin Larwood is a highly experienced and professional obstetrician with a warm and friendly nature. If you are preparing for pregnancy, schedule an appointment with Dr Larwood for beneficial medical advice.