Preparing for a first pregnancy is a very special and highly anticipated moment, so mothers need to be very careful and thorough in preparing themselves to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Furthermore, thorough preparation will reduce the risk of complications for both mother and child, ensuring a healthy baby and a safe delivery for the mother.
Also Read: 7 Foods That Speed Up Pregnancy: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby!
Here's a breakdown of what you need to prepare for your first pregnancy. Make sure you understand it and start preparing now.
Preparation Steps for Your First Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyous occasion for most couples. It's no wonder they're willing to do anything to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Some of the things mothers should do to prepare for their first pregnancy include:
1. Regularly consult a doctor
Once you've decided to get pregnant, you can begin your pregnancy preparation by consulting with an obstetrician. During your consultation, your doctor will examine your entire body to gather information before providing advice tailored to your needs.
The doctor will assess your reproductive health, your overall health, and other aspects so that any issues can be addressed early and prevent future problems.
Also Read: 12 Easy-to-Practice Pregnancy Exercises at Home
2. Maintain ideal body weight
An ideal body weight will increase your chances of conceiving than being overweight or underweight. Being overweight can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, while being underweight can make it more difficult to conceive. Ensure your weight is within a normal range based on your body mass index (BMI) to prepare for your first pregnancy.
3. Ensure Nutritional Needs Are Met
During your first pregnancy, you should start consuming nutritious foods such as protein, fiber, folic acid, calcium, iron, and other nutrients. You can get these nutrients from vegetables, meat, fruit, whole grains, and low-fat foods. Avoid consuming high doses of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as they can increase the risk of birth defects.
4. Consume Folic Acid
Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid per day is highly recommended during pregnancy preparation, especially six months before conception. This helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
5. Choosing the Right Time for Intimate Relations
The best time to have sex during pregnancy preparation is during your fertile period. Try to have sex two to three times during this fertile period.
6. Make sure you have been vaccinated.
Vaccinations during pregnancy preparation are important to protect the health of both mother and baby. Get vaccinated one month before pregnancy begins. Consult your doctor about the type of vaccine you should choose.
7. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps prepare your body for pregnancy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. You can run, cycle, do yoga, and other activities as part of your first pregnancy preparation.
8. Maintain Dental Health
Don't be surprised if you experience more gum disease and cavities during pregnancy. Therefore, you should regularly brush your teeth and consult a dentist during your first pregnancy preparation.
Also Read: Pregnancy During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Things to Avoid During First Pregnancy Preparation
In addition to proper preparation, mothers must also pay attention to the taboos and prohibitions during this preparation period. Otherwise, the preparations could be in vain.
Here are some prohibitions that mothers should avoid during pregnancy preparation, especially for their first pregnancy:
- Exposure to cigarette smoke and other air pollution, as it can affect uterine health.
- Consuming alcoholic beverages, as it can increase the risk of difficulty conceiving and miscarriage.
- Experiencing excessive stress, which can harm both physical and mental health.
- Being underweight.
Also Read: 7 Most Common Menstrual Disorders, Don't Take Them Lightly!
For further consultation on pregnancy issues, you can consult with an ob-gyn specialist. Find out the doctor's schedule at Bunda Group Hospital units near you and book your visit here. For your convenience and your family's, please also visit our information page for a complete list of Bunda Group Hospital services.
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