Family Planning: Tips to Know When Planning to Get Pregnant
Pregnancy can be as stressful as it is wonderful. If you’re intending to have a child, consider these helpful tips when planning for your growing family.
1: Keep Yourself Healthy
Pregnancy can take a toll on your body. You’ll want to stay fit for as long as possible. Try to get a daily workout in if you can, and make sure you’re eating right. This includes taking a proper amount of folic acid (400 micrograms a day) and cutting out any bad habits, from excess junk food to smoking and drinking. Of course, you don’t want to slim down too far, as that can make getting pregnant harder. Find the perfect weight for your needs and strive to keep it.
2: Talk to Your Doctor
Before you start trying to get pregnant, talk to your OBGYN. You’ll want to ask them about any vaccines, medicines, and tests you might need, as well as things you can’t or shouldn’t do while pregnant. You can also talk about your medical history, including any current conditions that might affect the pregnancy. You can even look deeper into your family’s medical conditions and genetics to have an idea of what you and your baby might be dealing with in the future.
3: Stop Using Birth Control
Additionally, you will want to discuss with your OBGYN the process of ending birth control if you’re currently using any. For an IUD or implant, you can discuss with your doctor the removal process and how long you can expect until your fertility returns to normal.
4: Prepare
Pregnancy is hard, but it’s important to remember that you are not in this alone. This will be a big change for everyone involved, and though exciting, it can also lead to stress and concerns. Before you dive into anything, talk to your family and get ready as a team. You can also start tracking your fertility with an ovulation calendar, by check your cervical mucus, or with a basal temperature. Knowing when you ovulate can help increase your chance of conception, as well as identify any potential problems.
5: Keep It Up
Once you are ready to become pregnant, the journey has only begun. Make sure you keep visiting your doctor, eating right, and getting the help you need so that you and your baby can thrive. Prenatal care is essential for a healthy baby and mom!
To schedule a family planning appointment at Women’s Medical Associates of Nashville, call (615) 329-6745.