Health

Things You Need to Know To Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

If you’re trying to get pregnant or starting to plan for it, focusing on your health is a major consideration. Health and fertility are interconnected. When you are in good condition, you improve your chances of getting pregnant. For instance, healthy food increases your capability for pregnancy. At the same time, exercise gives a stronger body. You can also get a Pregnancy test multipack that tracks signs of fertility throughout your journey.  This article explains these important factors.

Ideal Weight

Weight is an important aspect for women who try to conceive. When you are underweight or overweight, you may experience difficulty conceiving and, subsequently, in pregnancy. They are more prone to complications in labour. Weight affects the hormonal balance of your body that is vital to its functioning.

Women who are overweight are likely to have an irregular menstrual cycle and hinder ovulation. It can also trigger PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). They are also at risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. Being overweight is more likely to undergo cesarean section too.

On the other hand, underweight women take longer to get pregnant, sometimes more than a year. Being underweight may affect your menstruation cycle. Thus, predicting ovulation becomes more unclear. Underweight women are also at risk of preterm delivery. It will also affect the baby’s birth weight.

When it comes to fertility, ideal weight varies. But maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can increase your chances of getting pregnant. A normal BMI is between 18.5 to 24.9. Anything below and above these units are underweight and overweight, respectively. While over 30 indicates obesity. A study on pregnancy reports that every unit gain after a BMI of 29 reduces the likelihood of conception.

Healthy diet and exercise

When you are planning to get pregnant, develop a healthy diet and exercise plan. A healthy diet is balanced from the five food groups. Incorporate a meal plan like some fruits and vegetables; lean meat, poultry, and eggs; milk and cheese; and wholegrain cereals. Cut back on unhealthy snacking like chips and fast foods. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water too.

Folic Acid is a Folate vitamin that is a supplement before, during, and for the first three months of pregnancy. Folate is vitamin B that decreases the risk of neural tube defects for your baby. Green leafy vegetables, beans, and fruit are rich in folate. Folic acid tablets (or powder) may help too.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Even an activity as simple as walking has many benefits. Spend less time glued to your seat and take walks in the morning or afternoon. If you have more time, develop an exercise routine on the advice of your doctor.

Lifestyle adjustments are necessary for planning a pregnancy. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, stop smoking, and avoid stressful situations as much as possible.

Charting and Checkups

Knowing your own body, the ovulation cycle will increase your chances of getting pregnant. To know if you have become pregnant or not you can use Pregnancy test multipack.  It is an efficient way to track fertility and other health symptoms relating to pregnancy. These kits may include ovulation strip tests, collection cups, thermometers, and anything that can help you chart your ovulation. It takes 6 to 24 hours after ovulation for an egg to be fertilized. So a handy pack is convenient and reliable to use in any setting. 

You should schedule your first visit to your doctor months before planning a pregnancy, and regularly afterwards. Your GP will assist you with necessary vaccinations, tests, supplements, and diet. If you have current medications, your doctor will advise if they are still safe to take. A pre-pregnancy checkup makes sure you are prepared for a safe and healthy pregnancy.