Having kids is a learning process. And this starts from even before you get pregnant. There are so many choices to makes. And you want to prepare for pregnancy the healthy way.
Let’s start with just trying to get pregnant. How should you prepare? And what happens if you’re trying with no luck?
The questions don’t stop once that strip turns blue. Now you’re wondering what vitamins should you take? What foods should you eat? And what should and shouldn’t you be drinking. This can make you dizzy even before your first bout of morning sickness.
So today we’re talking about what you should be doing RIGHT NOW to prepare for pregnancy. Even if you haven’t even started trying, but plan to! And we’ll talk about what you should be eating, drinking, and doing right up until the day you meet your little one!
Before you’re pregnant – First steps to prepare for pregnancy
Let’s start with the basics. The moment you decide to start trying, you should take a prenatal vitamin. You need those essential nutrients from the earliest moments of your pregnancy. So taking them now is a healthy way to start.
Focus on eating fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and good quality protein. First, your body needs extra antioxidants to maximize fertility. Second, protein and good fats are building blocks for pregnancy. Lay low on sugars and refined carbs which create imbalances that can compromise fertility.
And focus on mental health if you’re struggling to conceive. There’s no shame in speaking with a specialist. For instance, companies like Egg Donor Connections can put you with people who are willing to help.
Temper bad habits before and after conception
Alcohol and cigarettes go out of the window straight away. You probably should cut back when just preparing to conceive. And of course, abstaining is the only safe choice as your bump starts to grow. But what about the other harmful chemicals?
Coffee anyone? There’s a link between drinking excessive amounts of caffeine and miscarriages. The experts at the American Pregnancy Association reckon you should only drink up to 200 mg a day. I know it’s hard, but drinking as little as possible is the healthiest choice for baby.
Beware of certain raw foods/ embrace others
How are beef and lamb cooked? Usually rare, medium, or medium rare. And lets not forget poultry products. Sunny side up eggs contain yolks that are basically uncooked. And eating them means any toxins go straight into your bloodstream. What is the impact for your baby?
Raw foods contain potentially harmful bacteria. As a rule, it’s best to eat meat well-done to avoid salmonella and toxoplasmosis. This is safest when trying to conceive, but certainly once you’re expecting.
However, just because you’re avoiding raw meat doesn’t mean you should pass up on raw fruits and veggies. Just as you want to take a prenatal supplement, you also want to bolster your body with nutritious foods. So make sure to get 3 to 5 servings daily!
How to eat for two
Yes, you’re eating for two. But does that really mean you should eat double? And how can you be sure that you’re eating enough for your little one to thrive?
In reality, Julie Redfern speaking on WebMD says mothers only need an extra 300 calories per day for their unborn fetuses. The key is to eat more of certain nutrients like folic acid. And then just focus on eating a generally nutritious diet.
You’re growing a baby and need to accept that your body will change. Staying as thin as possible isn’t the goal. Extra nutrition is essential. And it’s important to be kind to yourself emotionally as your body changes.
On the other hand, pregnancy isn’t an excuse to binge. You’re going to gain weight, but it should be healthy weight from nutritious foods. Eating out of control will lead to excessive weight gain. And during pregnancy, extra weight can lead to circulation problems and low blood flow to the womb.
So if you’re hoping to add to your family, here are some great steps to take right now. These diet changes are small in comparison to the work your body is doing to create a human. So be good to yourself. And celebrate the life you’re creating.
(This is a contributor post and contains affiliate links)
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