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PLANNING TO HAVE A BABY ? - HERE'S YOUR PRE PREGNANCY CHECKLIST

In order to increase your chance of conceiving a healthy child, you can accomplish several things. It isn't always easy to get pregnant, but you can boost your body's health and your pregnancy preparation. We've put together a list of proven ways to prepare your body for pregnancy.

1. KEEP EXERCISING

A healthy pregnancy is made possible by exercise, which can ease common discomforts of pregnancy as well as prepare your body for labor and delivery. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy include better weight control, improved mood, and the maintenance of fitness levels. If you did not exercise much before becoming pregnant, you might need to adapt your exercise program or select a new one. Consult your doctor, physiotherapist, or healthcare professional before exercising while pregnant. Prenatal exercise has a number of benefits, including:

weight control, stress relief, reduced risk of depression, improved fitness, reduced pelvic pain, fewer complications in delivery, improved sleep, and decreased risk of pregnancy complications.



2. ROUTINE CHECK-UPS

The importance and value of prenatal care are well known, as it keeps mothers and babies in the loop throughout the pregnancy. An initial pre-pregnancy check-up includes a set of tests your doctor may administer to you and your partner to determine if you are both free of illnesses that can put your chances of conceiving at risk. It is advised to undergo medical check-ups frequently and these have been recommended for years by doctors and gynaecologists. During these visits, mothers to be can discuss important health concerns regarding their baby and their health with the doctor.



3. BE AWARE OF YOUR WEIGHT

Talk to your doctor about what weight is healthy for you and how much weight will be harmful. Being too thin can make getting pregnant difficult. Being too heavy can cause problems as well, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Being too heavy will also make labor last longer, and you don't want that! Find out what weight is healthy for you by talking to your doctor.



4. EAT RIGHT

When a woman is pregnant, her body works hard to make a baby. Eating right can greatly benefit your baby's growth and development. In a pregnant woman's diet, eating for two does not mean eating twice as much. Pregnant women need about 300 extra calories every day. But, where those calories come from matters. It has been shown that eating a nutritious diet while pregnant reduces the risk of many birth defects and improves brain development, as well

as anemia. A balanced diet will reduce anemia risks as well. Make sure you ask your health care provider how much weight you should gain and what you should eat.



5. TAKE FOLIC ACID

During pregnancy, folate is essential in maintaining a healthy neural tube by preventing the development of a group of birth defects known as neural tube defects. Folic acid is the human-made alternative to folate a B vitamin that plays numerous roles in the body. The dietary source of folic acid is supplements and fortified foods, like some breakfast cereals. Nutrition labels can tell a person whether a particular food contains folic acid. Some good sources of Folic acid are :

Banana, Spinach, Black-eyed peas, Avocado, Broccoli, Orange juice, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts.

sources


6. REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF CAFFAINE IN YOUR DIET

Caffeine consumption during and before pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight, so you should limit your caffeine consumption. There are several things to avoid when pregnant, including energy drinks because they may contain high levels of caffeine and other ingredients that shouldn't be consumed during pregnancy. Although herbal tea may be safe to drink it is always better to check first with your doctor.



7. VISIT YOUR DENTISIT

When you want to be pregnant, it is very important for you to take good care of your gums and teeth. As a result of hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy increases your risk of gum disease, which in turn, affects the development of your unborn child. Ideally, you should schedule a dental appointment before you become pregnant. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned, your gums will be examined, and any oral health issues can be treated before you become pregnant. Keeping your mouth healthy requires brushing and flossing twice a day, using an antibiotic mouthwash, and using good oral hygiene practices.



8. GENETIC COUNSELING

The purpose of genetic counseling is to discuss genetic issues with a health professional who is qualified in both genetics and counseling. Genetic conditions are caused by changes or mistakes in genes and can be inherited from both parents. An inherited condition can be more

easily understood if you and your family receive genetic counseling. You and your family can adjust to it counseling and plan for the future.



9. QUIT SMOKING

A pregnant woman who smokes can have problems for their baby, including premature birth and birth defects. This can also put your child at risk for SIDS. When you smoke during pregnancy, chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar pass through the placenta and umbilical cord to your unborn child. As a result, your baby will receive less oxygen. Your baby is more likely to experience the following conditions if you smoke during pregnancy or before pregnancy: Be born prematurely, Have birth defects, Have low birthweight, Die before birth from miscarriage or stillbirth, Die of sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS), Your baby is also at risk from second hand smoke after birth, Asthma, Bronchitis, Ear infections, Pneumonia.



10. STOP TAKING ALCOHOL

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is strongly discouraged for pregnant women. The effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm an unborn child. Drinking alcohol while pregnant may also result in long-term health problems and birth defects. Alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive. The only way to avoid fetal alcohol syndrome is to not consume alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not safe. Consult a healthcare professional for advice and support if you're having difficulty reducing or stopping your alcohol consumption.



11. PLAN BUDGET FOR BABY

Make a list of the supplies your child will need. They go through about thousands of diapers before they're potty-trained! You'll also need clothes, a car seat, and a stroller, and possibly formula and bottles. Start searching today. When it comes to saving money for a baby, you need to create a budget with priorities, stick to that budget, and anticipate unexpected expenses. A big box of fun is waiting for you.




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