Your partner have decided to take a plunge for parenthood, and getting all set to have an addition to your family. So, it’s time to get down to serious business in the bedroom, right? Well, yes but conceiving is not just about having sex day and night.

A healthy body, mind and soul is just as important. You need to prepare your body for pregnancy , take some time to focus on your wellbeing and give your baby the best start to life.

Here’s a guide on how you can get your body ready for pregnancy :

For The Future Mother

1. Visit Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your Gynaecologist for a preconception checkup. During the checkup, your doctor will review your medical history and run some tests as well, including a Pap Smear if you have not had one in the past year. This is just to ensure that you’re on the right track to being healthy and fit to conceive. If you’re planning to or are taking supplements, discuss with your doctor about this as well because some supplements may be unsafe for pregnancy.

2. Clean Up Your Fridge

Well no, don’t bring out the wash cloth and detergent just yet. Unless of course your fridge needs a wipe! What was actually meant, is to clean your fridge by removing all unhealthy food. Discard all processed, canned, high in fat and sugar-filled food and start stocking up on healthy food instead. Focus on eating freshly cooked food, made with fresh and natural ingredients. The healthier you are before pregnancy, you will create a better environment for your baby to develop in.

3. Visit Your Dentist

You must be wondering, what does your teeth have to do with your womb? Well, a visit to your dentist before getting pregnant can reduce your risk of gum diseases. Due to higher progesterone and estrogen levels during pregnancy, pregnant women are at a higher risk of gum diseases. Hence, having your dental health checked before you become pregnant can cut your risk of undergoing a gum disease ordeal.

4. Eat Folic Acid

Folic Acid is crucial for baby’s development. Generally, you should start on it at least one month before getting pregnant and during her first trimester. Folic Acid reduces your baby’s risk of neural-tube defects such as spinal bifida (a condition whereby the bones of the spine doesn’t form properly) of up to 70 percent. Folic Acid can be found at pharmacies or ask your Gynaecologist for a recommendation if you’re unsure about which to purchase. Before buying, be sure to check that the product contains at least 400 microgrammes of Folic Acid per serving as that’s the recommended dosage.

5. Protect Yourself

Be extra cautious of your surroundings, not just during pregnancy but pre-pregnancy too. Being in contact with some types of bacteria and viruses can affect the health of your baby-to-be. For example, the bacteria listeriosis which can be present in unpasturised dairy products and raw food can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. The common flu, which may seem harmless to a healthy adult can also cause serious health complications when you’re pregnant, such as pneumonia and premature birth. Protect yourself, by getting a vaccination.

6. Good BMI

An unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI), be it higher or lower, can reduce your chances of conceiving. A psychically healthy person, with a healthy weight have a higher chance to conceive. If you need some help with achieving a healthy BMI, speak to your healthcare provider about the steps you need to take to achieve your ideal weight.

7. Be Mentally Stable

Pregnancy is not just physically demanding but mentally too. According to Baby Centre in the United States of America, women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to be diagnosed with fertility issues. Though, this does not mean that all women diagnosed with depression should not or cannot conceive. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the issue is addressed. Help is available whereby an expert can guide you to leading a healthy life and prepare yourself for pregnancy. If you have a family history of depression, it is also important for you to undergo a mental health check before you get pregnant. There are multiple techniques (such as meditation and yoga) and medications which can effectively help you stay calm and contented.

Your plan to conceive is great news but before jumping on the bandwagon, it is vital that you ensure that you and your partner are healthy and well to embark on this exciting journey. Take one step at a time and remember, your health is of utmost importance as that will create a comfortable environment for your baby to develop in.

Extra Tips: A Warning On Vitamin A

Too much of Vitamin A can cause birth defects. Hence, if you’re consuming a multivitamin, be sure that the supplement has a healthy amount of it. Speak to your pharmacist or Gynaecologist if you’re unsure about what to take.

For The Future Father

How to get her pregnant?

Many pre-pregnancy materials are usually focused on a woman’s wellbeing but men too play an equally crucial role in conceiving a child. Here’s a checklist for men who are looking forward to becoming a father:

• Visit your doctor
• Make an appointment with a urologist or fertility specialist especially if you have a chronic disease or issues with erection and ejaculation.
• Avoid heat. Don’t use the hot tub, sauna or place a laptop on your lap while working. Heat kills sperms and it takes months for these delicate cells to regenerate. So, be sure to keep your manhood cool at all times. Using boxers instead of underwear helps as well.
• Check for hazards. Spot the red flags in your life which can affect your reproductive health. For example, the exposure to certain chemicals can alter your sperm composition. Hence, reducing your chance to conceive and as a matter of fact, increases the risk of birth defects and premature birth.