Getting pregnant is a life altering step. There are so many questions when you are pregnant for the first time, but there is a lot you can do to prepare yourself for this big change. First, you need to be healthy. Your body and psyche need to be ready to handle the physical and emotional rollercoaster you are about to get on. These are some steps you should consider as you make the decision to try to conceive.
Going to the doctor is the first step and one that should be taken several months prior to trying to conceive. Talk to your doctor about pre-natal vitamins, any physical health problems you might have, and any emotional problems you have. Pre-natal vitamins are an important first step to make sure your body has all of the nutrients you need to support a fetus. Some doctors recommend that all women of childbearing age take pre-natal vitamins, whether they plan on conceiving or not, because the baby will need many of those nutrients the most, before you even know you are pregnant. Pre-natal vitamins are available over the counter or as a prescription; there are even chewable vitamins available if you have problems swallowing them. Folic acid, calcium and iron are the important ingredients you should look for in a pre-natal vitamin, and talk to your doctor about what combination will be most beneficial to you. In addition to vitamins, your doctor should give you a pap-smear, take a vaginal swab to check for infections, and possibly order some blood work to look for any hidden problems.
Step two, eat healthy and exercise. If you need to lose weight, lose it now. If you need to learn to eat veggies, do it now. If you need to get into an exercise routine, do it now. Prior to trying to conceive, give yourself a few months to get into good habits. You don't have to do anything drastic, just remember that it will be so much easier to get into good habits now, rather than waiting until you are pregnant. Besides, being in good health will make it easier to conceive. You will also want to quit smoking and look at any medication you take regularly. Many medications we take regularly can be harmful to a fetus, so make the changes now. Talk to your doctor with any questions you have about medication. In addition to smoking and medication, you should also look carefully at your alcohol and caffeine consumption. Both of these substances can be very harmful to a growing fetus. Switching to decaf and not drinking will make the change much easier when you do become pregnant.
Exercising is very important while you are trying to conceive and while you are pregnant. Choose a low impact form of exercise that you will be able to do throughout your pregnancy. Walking and swimming are both great choices. Talk to your doctor about beginning a new exercise regimen, and what types of exercise you should stay away from once you do get pregnant.
Another important step is learning to relax. Stress can mess with the hormones that trigger ovulation making it harder to conceive. Relaxation and being able to let go of stress is an important mental health exercise to do as you prepare for pregnancy. Additionally, if you struggle with depression or other forms of mental illness, talk to your health care provider to make sure your medication won't effect your pregnancy and that your condition is under control.
Finally, learn to listen to your body. If you haven't already, begin tracking yourmenstrualcycles. If you are on hormonal based birth control, switch to a non-hormonal type, like condoms, a few months before you begin trying to conceive. This will give your body a chance to get back on its own rhythm and for you to see what that rhythm is. Not everyone ovulates on day 14, and so knowing your body and when you ovulate can increase your chances of conception.