Top 5 Ways to Prepare for Pregnancy

Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels

July 17, 2018

A healthy lifestyle is the greatest gift you can give your baby! Follow these tips to prepare for pregnancy. 

1. Prenatal Vitamins:

  • Begin taking your prenatal vitamins three months before trying to conceive. The multivitamins contain essential nutrients including folic acid to prevent birth defects and iron needed by growing babies.

    • 2. No Smoking:

  • Smoking damages the eggs, may shorten your biological clock, and can make fertilization more difficult. Smoking also negatively affects men’s sperm health. After baby is born, secondhand smoke has lasting effects on children.

    • 3. Stress Less:

  • Relax is easier said than done. High levels of stress can cause women to ovulate less regularly and can affect men’s sperm production. Both lower fertility.

    • 4. Eat Healthy:

  • Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. Both women and men increase fertility by maintaining a healthy body weight.

    • 5. Regular Physical Activity:

  • Regular exercise is good for moms-to-be. So keep it up. If you’re not exercising, 30-60 minutes, five days a week is recommended. During pregnancy, your exercise may need to be modified. For men, studies show moderate cardio like jogging can improve fertility. Talk to your provider before beginning an exercise program.