The best position to be in when conceiving a baby is to be prepared. There are so many things health-wise that you can do to prepare to conceive a baby before you even get started, from improving your health to getting a genetic test done so you’re fully aware of what to expect; the list goes on and on. If you’re planning your first, it can feel a bit daunting, but there’s no reason to worry so long as you follow this top guide:
Let Your Doctor Know You’re Planning to Conceive
Your doctor is one of the first people you should tell your plan to conceive. They’ll be able to guide you through all your options and make any health recommendations. It’s also just a good idea to get a rundown of what you shouldn’t do after you’ve conceived from someone you trust.
Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
There are so many vitamins that a body needs in order to conceive and bring that baby to term successfully. Kickstart your efforts by taking prenatal gummies or vitamins. These vitamins should have at least two key ingredients: folic acid and iron. Folic acid, for example, can prevent neural tube deficiencies from forming. You’ll want to start taking these vitamins at least three months before and be strict with those vitamins as part of your daily routine.
What to Stop
You know not to smoke or drink while pregnant, but did you know you should actually stop both before you even conceive? Drugs, in particular, can remain in your body long after the effects wear off, and your fetus will absorb what’s left. That’s why, to be completely safe, it’s a good idea to hold off on smoking and any recreational drugs for at least a month before you conceive. If you are on any prescribed medication, your doctor will let you know what you can continue with and what you’ll need to stop or change.
Get Your Family’s Full History
It’s important to be aware of any genetic concerns in your family. You can do this by talking to both of your families to get a full medical history. You can alternatively get genetic testing done. There are some issues that won’t become a problem unless both parents are carriers, for example. Knowing what may happen can then help you better prepare. For example, you may want to look into getting a donor or adopting if there’s a high risk. In most cases, however, you’ll be free and in the clear.
Start Tracking Your Cycle
You’re only fertile for a few days in your cycle. To make it easier and faster to conceive, you’ll want to start tracking your cycle now. This way, you can figure out exactly when you’re ovulating. Not tracking your cycle can lead to a lot of frustration and result in taking longer to conceive. The good news is that plenty of free tools make it easy, and the longer you use them, the more accurate they are in predicting when you are ovulating and most likely to get pregnant.