If you’ve been talking about having a baby with your partner for a while and finally feel the time is right, you’re likely ready to jump right into the process. However, before you start trying to make a little one, it’s important to do everything possible to be as ready as you can. Here’s what to do before you begin trying to conceive a child.
Talk about Expectations and Plans
Couples should consider not trying to make a baby until they’ve had open and honest conversations about what they envisage for their life and the plans they want to make once a baby is on the way. There are all sorts of questions and chats to have to ensure you’re both on the same page moving forward, to reduce stress and other problems later.
For example, who do you see doing different childcare tasks and general jobs around the house once there’s a newborn in the family? What’s the plan regarding work and where you might live, if a move is necessary? Do you want to utilize parents or other family members for babysitting or regular childcare, or employ a dedicated person some of the time? Chat about these kinds of factors sooner rather than later.
Get Checked by a Doctor
Both parties, not just the woman who will be carrying the baby, should get checked by a doctor. Even if you feel physically and mentally ready to expand your family, it’s crucial to have a medical practitioner run some tests and do other checks and tasks.
For example, a blood test can let you know of any areas of concern that might affect chances of conception, carrying a baby to term, and the baby’s long-term health. A doctor will likely suggest that the female (whether partner or surrogate) start taking supplements such as folic acid and vitamins and minerals. She may also require hormonal or other system assistance, especially if battling conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disease, endometriosis, etc.
The man in the situation may also need to add a general multivitamin to his daily regime or other supplements or even buy some quality testosterone boosters if current hormone levels show up lower than ideal. Both parties may have other medical histories to get under control for conception to happen and for a safe pregnancy, such as diabetes, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and asthma.
Furthermore, see your doctor before conceiving a child to get caught up on any necessary vaccines and discuss any required changes to medicines, herbs, and supplements. Some items may affect your chances of conception or the baby’s health, so need phasing out before you try for a child. Often, you can swap to an alternative medication under a doctor’s supervision.
Limit Vices
Most people are aware of the dangers of a woman drinking or taking drugs when pregnant or breastfeeding and the harm caused by smoke from cigarettes, pipes, and the like. However, if you want to increase your chances of quick conception and help your baby carry to term and be as healthy as possible when it arrives, also avoid vices when trying to get pregnant. The healthier both parties are, the easier it is to conceive a child and the less chance of miscarriage.
Eat Well
Getting your diet in order before you start trying to make a baby is always wise. A balanced diet is good for you, will help you achieve or maintain an appropriate body weight, and generally put you in the best position to create a healthy baby. Couples should increase their intake of foods high in protein as well as servings of fruit and vegetables. Add enough good fat in your diet, and calcium too, along with quality, complex carbohydrates.
Limit empty calories from highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, high-sugar foods, and items high in saturated fat. Try to choose fewer chemical-laden offerings where possible, too.
Exercise
Another way to improve your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby to term is to exercise before you get pregnant. Doing so will put your bodies in better states, so they operate as efficiently as possible.
If you haven’t been exercising in recent months, start incorporating movement into your routine in a measured way and build up as you gain stamina and health. Around half an hour of exercise, five days per week for a few months before you start trying to get pregnant, can help considerably.
Don’t just start paying attention to your health when you already have a baby on the way. Take the steps mentioned above early in the process to make your family dreams more likely to become reality.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
