Congratulations on your decision to become parents! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the wonderful, yet challenging, journey ahead:
- You and your spouse should work together to find an obstetrician that you’re both comfortable with. To get started, ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few names, you can do your own research to see if they’re reputable and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- There is no one answer to this question since everyone’s medical history is different. It’s crucial to be well-prepared for doctor appointments to ensure a clear understanding of your health status and possible risks. Try to gather as much information about your family’s medical history as you can, as well as your husband’s family’s medical history. This will give your doctor a more complete picture and allow them to provide you with the best possible care.
- You should always discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor, as some can pose health risks to developing babies. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications may be safe to take during pregnancy, while others may need to be avoided. By discussing your medications with your doctor, you can ensure that you and your baby stay healthy.
- It’s important to take care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Be sure to visit your dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning. If you have periodontal disease, it can have negative effects on your baby.
- If you want to improve your health, it’s important to quit smoking entirely. Not only does smoking have a negative impact on your health, but exposure to second-hand smoke can be just as harmful. There are a variety of resources available to help you quit, so take advantage of them and make the commitment to quit smoking for good.
- If you are concerned about exposure to toxins in your home or workplace, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk. First, try to identify any potential sources of toxins, such as cleaning products or pesticides. Then, take steps to eliminate or minimize exposure to these substances. For example, you might choose to use natural cleaning products instead of toxic ones. You can also take measures to reduce your exposure to pesticides, such as using organic gardening methods. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from exposure to harmful toxins.
- If you are underweight and trying to conceive, you may have difficulty becoming pregnant. Pregnancy places incredible demands on a woman’s body, therefore maintaining a healthy weight is essential to prepare for the upcoming challenges. If you’re underweight, talk to your doctor about ways to reach a healthy body weight before you attempt to conceive.
- It’s important to start taking a quality prenatal vitamin and extra folic acid every day as soon as you start trying to conceive. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and is mainly found in leafy green vegetables and fruits. It helps the baby’s neural tube close properly.
- Consult your doctor on the healthiest way to stop taking birth control pills when planning to conceive. Birth control pills need to be discontinued gradually to avoid any health problems.
- If you want to get pregnant, you need to know when you’re ovulating. (This is when your egg is released from your ovary, and it’s only possible to get pregnant when this happens.) One way to find out is to chart your menstrual cycle. You can do this yourself, or you can use an online ovulation calculator.
- Becoming pregnant is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. Many women become susceptible to depression during this time, especially when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and postpartum. If you or a close family member has suffered with depression, it is highly recommended that you make several appointments with a trusted psychotherapist. Talk to your therapist about your dreams, hopes, worries and fears surrounding becoming pregnant and becoming a mother. Remember to take care of your mental and emotional health throughout this time.
- Be sure to review your family’s financial situation with your husband regularly. It’s important to have a reasonable working budget that takes into consideration the financial demands of a growing family. If you’re not sure where to start, consider meeting with a financial advisor to get expert advice on your family’s financial picture.
- Some ways that you and your husband can conserve money as you attempt to conceive your child and prepare for parenthood include couponing, buying in bulk, and meal planning. You can also discuss whether or not the two of you wish for you to remain home after your baby is born. Discuss your preference for staying home permanently or temporarily and consider options such as remote work, freelancing, or taking a leave from your job to make it feasible.
- Before taking maternity leave, it’s important to research your company’s policy. Some businesses are required by law to offer paid maternity leave, while others offer unpaid leave or a combination of the two. You may also be able to take advantage of other programs like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Talk to your HR representative to learn more about your specific benefits.v
