Before Trying For A Baby

Are you looking to add to your family this year? While you may have nine or so months to prepare, it’s best to prepare your body, mind and soul for this momentous journey in the following ways:

Take folic acid

Folic acid is important during the first trimester and it is recommended that you start taking this supplement three months before you start trying for a baby as you could get pregnant on your first cycle. Folic acid reduces the risk of spinal problems and neural tube defects, amongst other issues.

Give up smoking and drinking

We don’t need to tell you the risks involved with smoking and drinking while pregnant; you most certainly already know. Do your baby and body a favour and quit these habits as soon as you decide it’s time to conceive. That way your body has a change to get used to the change of lifestyle and hopefully adapt a little better to life without these addictive habits.

Cut down on caffeine

If you normally have quite a *large* intake of caffeine, it’s worth reducing your required daily hit gradually, over time before trying for a baby.

Visit the doctor

Get a health check done and mention to your doctor that you are considering trying for a baby. He may suggest that you reduce your cholesterol, lose some weight, get a mole examined, etc. before you get the go ahead to start trying.

Give up your contraceptive

Some contraceptives will require that you wait a month or longer before you start to try so make sure you follow the rules of your contraceptive and give your body the time in needs to prepare for this change.

Consider your emotional state of mind

Are you ready to give up the late night parties, the weekends away with the girls and the long sleep ins on the weekend? No one can prepare you emotionally for becoming a mummy but make sure you feel content, happy and balanced before you try. If you do have mental health concerns, speak to a doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of depression, anxiety and other problems that can arise during pregnancy.

Discuss finances

Make sure you and your partner are on the same page in terms of finances as well. Can you afford a new baby? What will happen when you lose one income? If you are already stressed about money, then it might not be the best time to expand your family.

Start living healthy

No excuses to not get healthy now. Ditch the bad foods and start eating better for two, even if you are still just one. Good idea to slow down on the caffeine intake too!

Visit the dentist

Get any dental procedures that you have been putting off done now, while you can. Many dental procedures, including x-rays and wisdom tooth removal, are not recommended while pregnant. So instead of waiting up to a year to have them done, get it done now, when you don’t have  a baby to carry along with you.

Reduce the risk of infections

Now is not the time to take chances with colds and flus. Get the flu shot and avoid those that you know are sick. It is not worth getting sick, especially if you are trying to get pregnant. You want your immune system to be in the best condition and you don’t want to increase your stress levels if you do get sick and are possibly pregnant.

Stay goodbye to certain fish

It is important to get your dose of omega 3 every week by eating certain fish foods, such as tuna and salmon. However, it’s also important to steer clear of fish that have a high level of mercury. Generally speaking, larger fish should be avoided including shark, as the mercury levels are quite high and this can be harmful for baby, even if baby is only a tiny speck at this stage.