If you think it's time for you to start a family and you are
prepared for the responsibility of a new member in your life, there are a few
other things that you should consider before you start expanding your family:
Preconception
counseling - Before you start trying for the baby, it's always a good idea
to go for preconception
counseling. Your gynaecologist is the first person you should see before
you start planning a child. It's always a good idea to get a physical
examination done before you start panicking if it takes time for you to
conceive.
Also, fertility
issues among men and women seem to be on a rise and it's always advisable
to get a complete health check done before you lose time wondering what's going
wrong every month. Sometimes, small problems can be cured by simple medication.
Read: Pregnancy
against all odds
Diet and nutrition - A
balanced
diet is essential while trying to conceive. Green leafy vegetables, like
spinach, rich in iron and calcium should be a part of your daily meal. You
might also want to cut down your caffeine intake and other fatty food. Prenatal
vitamins like Folic
Acid are a must-have while trying to conceive.
Exercise - Regular
exercise
is as important as any other factor that helps you during conception. It is
also important that you keep weight gain under a check and there's nothing
better than exercise that will help you do that. Wondering how much is enough?
You might find some answers
here.
Related read: Are
you ready to have a baby?
Lifestyle changes — Whether
it's your diet or exercise or just switching to a healthy lifestyle, this might
be the best time to do it. This is also a good time to give up smoking
and drinking, not only is it healthy to do so but it'll also prepare you
for your pregnancy. If you are thinking about just cutting it down, that might
not be enough.
You might also want to encourage your partner to give up smoking.
De-stress — The
last thing that will help you during this period is stress. Studies
actually suggest that stress can get in the way when you are trying to get
pregnant. A lot of us wait for the 'right time' to start a family and when we
think it is the right time and it doesn't happen, then we start to stress. Stress
is not good for you, emotionally, psychologically and physically. It's
essential that you enjoy the baby-making process. De-stress and enjoy your
lovemaking, this might be one of the best times in your sex-life because you
don't have to worry about contraception.
Have we left out anything that you think is essential?
Please share your views with us. You can also connect with me on Twitter.
Must-read on Love & Sex: Will you wait for Mr. Right?
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