The importance of preparing for pregnancy!

   When you are ready to welcome a new baby, preparing for pregnancy is the first step. Some people may think that pregnancy comes “naturally” and that there is no need to prepare for it, but in fact, scientific preparation can make the entire pregnancy smoother and the baby healthier.

So why is preparation so important? What exactly does it involve? Today, we will give you a clear explanation in big words.

1. Why prepare for pregnancy?

Preparing for pregnancy is about getting ready to get pregnant. It's not just about getting pregnant when you want to, it's about getting you and your baby in the best shape possible.

It's like raising a flower. If you plant it randomly, it may grow, but if you pick the soil, fertilize and water it carefully, it will flourish. In the same way, if you adjust your body in advance to give your baby a healthy “soil”, his growth will be smoother.

Benefits of preparing for pregnancy:

Reduce the risk of miscarriage: If your body is not in good condition, you will be prone to fetal arrest and miscarriage after pregnancy.

Reduce fetal defects: lack of folic acid and other nutrients may lead to fetal neural tube deformities.

Increase the success rate of conception: no matter it is a man or a woman, with a healthy body, the quality of sperms and eggs are higher, and the chance of conception is greater.

Make pregnancy easier: by conditioning your body in advance, you will not be prone to edema, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. after pregnancy, and the mother will suffer less.

2. How long does it take to prepare for pregnancy?

Preparation time varies from person to person, and it is generally recommended to start preparing at least 3-6 months in advance. If there are chronic diseases or special conditions, such as polycystic ovaries, thyroid problems, irregular menstruation, etc., it may take longer time to regulate.

People who are healthy and have a regular routine: about 3 months is enough.

People who usually stay up late, don't exercise, and have an unhealthy diet: at least 6 months to allow the body to adjust to its optimal state.

Those with underlying diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, etc.): doctor's guidance is needed, which may take more than 6 months or even a year.

3. What kind of preparation should I do to prepare for pregnancy?

Preparing for pregnancy is not simply a matter of “eating more nutritious food”, but a comprehensive process, which mainly includes: physical examination, lifestyle adjustment, nutritional supplementation, psychological preparation, and so on.

(1) Conduct a pregnancy checkup

This is a step that many people will ignore, thinking that they “look” healthy, but in fact, some problems are hidden, such as anemia, abnormal thyroid function, viral infections, etc.

If you wait until you get pregnant to find out the problems, you will have to wait until you get pregnant to find out the problems. If you wait until you are pregnant to find out the problem, it may affect the health of the fetus.

Recommended checkup items:

Women: gynecological examination, ultrasound, hormone six, thyroid function, anemia test, etc.

Men: semen examination (to know the quality of sperm), physical examination (to check blood pressure, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, etc.).

Husband and wife: eugenics checkup to see if there are any genetic or infectious diseases that affect pregnancy or the health of the fetus.

(2) Adjust work and rest, and develop healthy living habits

Many people usually stay up late, eat irregularly and lack exercise, all of which can affect fertility. During the preparation for pregnancy, you should at least do the following:

Regular work and rest: go to bed before 11 o'clock every day to ensure sufficient sleep.

Exercise in moderation: Walking, yoga, swimming, etc. can improve physical fitness and also help pregnancy.

Quit smoking and drinking: Tobacco and alcohol affect the quality of sperm and eggs, and also increase the risk of fetal malformations.

Reduce caffeine: no more than one cup of coffee or tea a day to avoid overdose affecting hormone levels.

(3) Supplemental nutrition to enhance physical fitness

The body's need for nutrients increases after pregnancy, so it's crucial to supplement in advance.

Folic acid (a must!) : Start supplementing in the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube malformation.

Iron (to prevent anemia): red meat, animal liver, spinach, etc. are rich in iron, and iron supplements when necessary.

Protein: Eggs, fish, beans, etc. help the body to be healthier and provide essential nutrients for fertility.

Vitamin D and Calcium: you need a lot of calcium during pregnancy, which can be supplemented with milk, nuts, etc. during the preparation period.

Zinc and selenium (to improve fertility): men can eat more seafood and pumpkin seeds to improve sperm quality.

(4) Calculate the ovulation period to improve the chance of conception

It is important to know your ovulation period if you want to have a smooth pregnancy. Generally speaking, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the next menstrual period, and if your menstrual cycle is 28 days, then the day of ovulation is about the 14th day.

Common methods of calculating ovulation:

Basal body temperature method: measure your temperature every morning, which will rise on the day of ovulation.

Ovulation test: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is detected in the urine, and a strong positive test indicates that ovulation is imminent.

Observation of cervical mucus: the discharge during ovulation will become clear and pulpy.

Tips to increase your chances of conception:

Arrange intercourse appropriately 3-5 days before and after ovulation to increase the chance of conception.

Don't have intercourse every day, as the quality of sperm will decrease, it is recommended to have intercourse once every 2-3 days.

Don't get up in a hurry after intercourse, you can lie flat for 20-30 minutes to let the sperm enter the cervix more easily.

4. Psychological adjustment during pregnancy preparation

Pregnancy is not only a physical change, but also a psychological challenge. Some couples who have been preparing for pregnancy for a long time and still haven't made a move will start to get anxious and stressed out, which in turn affects conception. It is also important to keep a good mood and go with the flow.

Don't overstress: stress can affect hormone secretion and lead to irregular ovulation.

Couple communication is important: discuss expectations together, support each other and don't put too much pressure on each other.

Keep a good mindset: pregnancy is a natural process, the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to succeed.

5. Summing up: Preparing for pregnancy is a way to give your future baby a better start.

Preparing for pregnancy is not something “optional”, but the best way to give yourself and your baby a good start. Doing your checkups, adjusting your lifestyle and supplementing your nutrition in advance can make your pregnancy smoother and less risky, as well as make your future baby healthier.

If you're planning to have a baby, start making changes today! Every little effort is paving the way for future happiness. We hope that every pair of expectant parents, will be able to welcome their healthy and lovely babies successfully!