How To Prepare For Pregnancy

Woman holding a positive pregnancy test
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Are you planning to start a family? If so, you may be wondering how best to prepare for your new life as a parent. Planning your pregnancy is an excellent way to prepare for this life-changing event and give yourself the best possible chance of having a healthy pregnancy.

Having a child is the single most significant change most people will experience in their lives. So, before you make plans to get pregnant, it is a good idea to think about whether you are ready to make this change in your life. If you feel that now is the ideal time to start a family, you should find that the tips below help you get started on the exciting journey toward parenthood.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential when you are trying to conceive. It is best to start with healthy habits as soon as you begin trying for a baby. So, making changes to your diet so that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good idea and something you can do right away.

As well as ensuring you are eating a healthy diet, it is essential to avoid drinking alcohol if you suspect you may be pregnant. This is because consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to potential birth defects, as the alcohol that you drink passes through to your baby in the womb. Due to the harm alcohol can cause your baby in the womb, it is better to avoid drinking alcohol once you start trying for a baby.

Take Folic Acid

The NHS recommends that all women trying to conceive take a folic acid supplement. You should take a 400-microgram folic acid tablet every day from the time you try to get pregnant right through until you are 12 weeks pregnant. It is essential to take a folic acid supplement, as it would be difficult to obtain the amount of folate needed through diet alone.

Taking folic acid supplements helps to reduce the chances of your baby developing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. 

What to do if you don’t get pregnant

If you have been trying to conceive for an extended period without success, you may feel concerned about your fertility. If you are worried that a fertility issue may be preventing you from getting pregnant, it is a good idea to visit your GP to discuss this in more detail. Your GP can provide advice and may refer you to a specialist for further investigation if required. It is crucial to remember that there are other options available if you struggle to conceive naturally. IVF and fertility clinics such as IVF Matters use advanced treatments to help their patients conceive. 

It is vital to remember that everyone’s pregnancy journey is different. Some people may get pregnant straight away without trying, while others need a little help to conceive. However, understanding how best to prepare for your pregnancy will help you to get off to the best start.