Prepare yourself for pregnancy

Giving birth is part of a woman's life, and it's not only the 9 month journey that we should focus on, but the preperation for these glorious 9 months. Here I will share some important health improving choices you can make that will support your body before embarging on this wonderful journey.

it's not only the 9 month journey that we should focus on, but the preperation for these 9 months.

1. Improve the balance of your diet

A balanced meal should include a decent amount of protein, healthy fats and carbs that should include at least 200 gr of vegetables. Eat whole foods and eliminate sugar. Increase vitamin and mineral intake by consuming more fruit and nuts.

2. Aim for a normal body weight

You can use the NHS BMI Calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator to assess whether your body weight is normal at the moment.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

>18.5 Underweight

18.5-24.9 Normal weight

25-29.9 Overweight

< 30 Obese

Being underweight can lead to ovulating less regularly, while being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, blood clots, pre- eclampsia and high blood pressure. All in all, these can cause complications during pregnancy.

2. Supplementing with folic acid (Vit. B9)

The folic acid, the synthetic version of Folate, helps prevent having a child with NTD (Neural Tube Defect). A woman should start supplementing with folic acid as soon as she starts trying become pregnant. The spinal cord develops very early in pregnancy, often before a woman realizes she’s pregnant and it might be too late when she finds out, therefore, supplementing with folic acid is important.

3. Eliminate alcohol and quit smoking

Alcohol can affect fertility and it increases the chances of miscarriage. Smoking can lead to premature birth and low birth weight. It can cause breathing problems or wheezing in the first 6 months of baby’s life or even cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

4. Talk to your doctor about prescribed medicines.

Get accurate information about which medicines you can and cannot take during pregnancy.