It is common to fuss over diet and lifestyle when a woman is expecting. There are thousands of suggestions about do's and don't during pregnancy but as important as this is, it is equally important to accommodate the right diet and lifestyle even before you get pregnant - while you're trying to have a baby.
When a couple starts planning for a child, among the first things to be done is a visit to the doctor. A check-up will let the couple know if there are any issues to be addressed before having a baby. This also gives the couple an opportunity to address problems like hormonal issues or infertility.
It is also important that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle so that you can have a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth. It is always useful if you are physically and mentally fit. This comes handy when you have to handle the strain of carrying the baby as well as labor.
Diet changes
Typically two ingredients are most recommended when a woman is expecting-folic acid and iron.
Folic acid is Vitamin B, which aids the baby's brain and spinal development. While its benefits may be prominent once the woman is pregnant, it is important to take it even before the baby is conceived so as to ensure that there is enough folic acid in the system for the baby right through the gestation period. Lack of folic acid could lead to defects in the skull or spine.
Iron as we all know prevents anemia, a condition in which the body is unable to produce sufficient red blood cells. When a woman is pregnant, she needs to have plenty of red blood cells as these facilitate oxygen supply to the child.
Therefore, when one is planning a baby, it is important to eat foods which have plenty of folic acid and iron. Leafy vegetables and red meat as well as folic acid supplements will go a long way in ensuring these are provided for in plenty for the mother-to-be.
Eating regular meals that are balanced and nutritious is important. Milk and yogurt are also good calcium. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet in the pre-conception stage itself. A healthy diet will reduce and in many cases negate the possibility of a complication during pregnancy.
Lifestyle changes
It always helps if the woman has the appropriate BMI- appropriate weight for her height, give or take a couple of pounds. If the woman is underweight this could create health risks or create additional strain on the woman when she is carrying the baby. Being overweight sometimes has been known to hamper conception. Even if the weight is not ideal, it's useful if she has an exercise routine to keep her fit. Women who are overweight run a higher risk of hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.
Just as it is not advisable to smoke or consume alcohol when a woman is pregnant, it's advisable to stay away from them while planning a pregnancy too. This is because even after the egg has been implanted, the woman will not know she is pregnant for at least another couple of weeks and consuming alcohol or smoking in that period could prove dangerous for the fetus and in fact could impact fertility too. Similarly, avoid long soaks in a hot tub or luxuriating in a sauna as these are said to affect a baby's neural tube (brain and skull development)
Being healthy and fit before you have a baby will help you remain healthy throughout the pregnancy and ensure that you remain fit afterward.
Author Resource:-
Kevin Pederson is the chief contributor of content for Medical Health Tests, an authoritative source for information on medical tests. The articles are not only informative and insightful, but they are also simple and intelligible. This makes them a reliable resource for anyone seeking information on medical tests
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