You might be worrying about morning sickness or thinking about having a baby shower or even planning a nursery. But before any of that, you may want to spend some time thinking about your health and how you can get your body ready for pregnancy.
When you’re ready to expand your family, the experts at Eve Medical of Miami are ready to provide pregnancy testing, family planning counseling, and a well-woman exam. Along with those services, we encourage you to consider the following nine ways you can prepare your body for pregnancy.
If you don’t already, you should start tracking your menstrual cycle. Doing so will help you know when you’re most fertile. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before your period begins. That means if you menstruate every 30 days, you ovulate around day 16, which would mean you’re most fertile on days 14, 15, and 16.
There are a number of apps and tools available to help you track.
Many women find that trying to get pregnant is more stressful than expected, especially if it doesn’t happen as quickly as you thought it would. Getting regular exercise can help reduce stress and help strengthen your body for the changes ahead.
Your Eve Medical of Miami provider reviews your medical history and medications you’re taking — and answers any questions you may have. It’s important to report any medications or supplements to your doctor, because you should avoid certain medicines or substances during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that women trying to conceive begin taking prenatal vitamins. You should look for a vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. It’s best if you’re taking vitamins for 1-3 months before you get pregnant.
Make sure you’re including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary foods and beverages, and foods high in trans fats. The healthier your diet, the more likely you’ll experience a smooth, healthy pregnancy.
Caffeine can raise your risks of complications during pregnancy, and it can even make it more likely that you’ll miscarry. If you consume more than one caffeinated beverage per day, consider cutting back.
You want to consume less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is the amount in two cups of coffee. Cutting back slowly helps stop withdrawal symptoms like headaches.
Smoking increases your risk of miscarriage and premature birth, and no amount of alcohol is considered safe when you’re pregnant. Quitting before you’re pregnant helps your body be healthier for a growing baby.
You may find that you feel better when you drink more water, and during your pregnancy staying hydrated helps deliver nutrients to your baby.
Having a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get pregnant. But it’s important to manage those conditions carefully to lessen the likelihood of complications.
Discuss your health conditions and related medications with your doctor. We may recommend adjusting dosages or types of medicines during your pregnancy.
If you’re planning on getting pregnant in the near future, start working on these nine steps to get your body ready for pregnancy. Be sure to schedule an appointment at Eve Medical of Miami soon so we can make personalized recommendations.
