pregnancy
family,  Health,  parenting

Getting Pregnant – 5 Things to Do for You and Your Baby

If getting pregnant is something you’re thinking about, there are a few things you should do to ensure that when you become pregnant, both you and the baby can be as healthy and as happy as possible. Getting pregnant is about more than just conceiving. It’s also about preparing for what comes next.

So do what you can to get your body and mind ready for the coming nine months and beyond.

pregnancy
Before you get pregnant there are steps that you can take.

Getting Pregnant Prep

Getting pregnant should be approached with a clear idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Pregnancy is nine months of being uncomfortable. It’s also nine months of monitoring everything you take into your body – longer if you decide to breastfeed. After that, you’ve still got to think about finances, as well. It pays to be forward thinking when thinking about getting pregnant.

[tweetthis]There are many ways to prepare your body for pregnancy. [/tweetthis]

Stop Smoking

Smoking can cause severe issues for unborn babies including:

  • Lower available oxygen
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased chance of miscarriage and stillbirth
  • Increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight
  • Increased risk of lung problems
  • Increased risk of birth defects
  • Increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Of course, everyone thinks they’ll simply quit when they get pregnant. However, if you are actively on the path to getting pregnant, why not go through the strain of quitting now, rather than doing it when you are actually pregnant. That way, there’s no chance of your baby getting any of the harmful effects of smoking.

[tweetthis]If you are considering getting pregnant stop drinking. [/tweetthis]

Stop Drinking

Even if you stop drinking the moment you know you’re pregnant, remember that you’ve already been pregnant for a while before you know for sure. Alcohol is a terrible thing for a fetus to be exposed to even for one night.

Symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome or spectrum disorder can include:

  • Physical disability
  • Learning disabilities
  • Attention deficits
  • Hyperactivity
  • Issues with impulse control, language, memory, and social skills

So if you’re planning on getting pregnant, it pays not to drink. There is no safe time, amount or type of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. It’s best to stop drinking well before you get pregnant.

Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

You won’t overdose on any specific vitamin if you take prenatal vitamins without being pregnant. If you are planning on getting pregnant, take prenatal vitamins throughout the process. Your body will be primed to deliver the best nutrition possible from the moment your baby is conceived, getting your little son or daughter off to a good start.

Get Your Finances in Order

I have kids, and trust me, they’re expensive. Its starts a birth and just keeps going until they’re out of college, so doing what you can to get your finances in order from the get go is always a good idea. Go over your expenses and cut out any non-essentials that don’t make you incredibly happy. Of course, you don’t want to completely deny yourself, but every little bit you save now is more that you’ll have later.

Lean on Your Family

Getting pregnant can be hard. It can take time. It can be frustrating. Through all of it, remember that your family is there for you to lean on. They’ve been through it. They will be more than happy to give you a hug, a shoulder, a high five – whatever you need. You’re not in it alone!

Getting Pregnant is a Journey

Getting pregnant can be a long road, but it’s worth it. These 5 tips can help you when you make the decision that it’s time to try getting pregnant. Remember, the last one is the most important. Your family is there to encourage you and to help you if you need it. Getting pregnant is an adventure, so enjoy it.

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

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