Preparing your body for pregnancy

[Lemongrass]

I was wondering if anyone knows good resources or can share their own knowledge and personal experiences about how to best prepare your body physically for pregnancy. I know it is good to keep up with folate, that it is important pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy, are there other similar things one should be aware of?

Cheers.

[Lemongrass]

I've been doing some reading and have found out some things that may be worth sharing.

Folate (folic acid) should ideally be taken three months prior to conception. It is difficult to get as much as you need from your diet so supplementation is recommended. The reason it is important to get enough folate is that it helps to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. The recommended dose is 400ug until the 12th week of pregnancy it is most vital during the first trimester as that is when the brain and spinal chord are developing.

Folate Rich Foods:

Spoiler: show

Spinich
Lentils
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Avocado
Chick Peas
Bran Flakes
Black eyed Peas
Brewers Yeast
Romaine lettuce
Pinto beans
Kidney Beans
Asparagus
Beets
Tofu

I also read that some studies have indicated a link between taking folate as a supplement (especially pre-pregnancy) and an increased chance of conceiving twins. I found that really interesting. They also say that having folate pre-pregnancy can help to decrease symptoms of nausea and dizziness during pregnancy.

[NickHeartsMat]

Well both my kids were surprises so I didn't have any preparation, but if I were to give any looking back I would say make sure you start taking a prenatal vitamin every day for sure. It is always good to get the extra vitamins in preparation (if you don't take them before it won't devastate you but it is a good idea). I wish I had used lotion every day all over in preparation, I know it sounds silly, but when my stomach started growing and getting really tight it started to itch really bad and I could sense I was getting a stretch mark. I wish I had prepared my skin a little better. Also good advice is to quit drinking/smoking as soon as you start trying to conceive because you won't actually know you are pregnant until at least 3 weeks and the first 8 weeks are typically the most important in the baby's development.

I think it is important to start eating healthy and nutritiously and get used to that. Eat a lot of fiber and drink a lot of water. Cut out as much caffeine as you can because it is so much harder to do when you are already moody and hormonal. Starting an exercise routine or yoga practice is a good idea too, because they are really good for you during your pregnancy (as long as you aren't pushing yourself too hard) and yoga can actually help during labor and delivery. If you start before you are pregnant you are more likely to keep it up than if you start while you are pregnant.

Most books about pregnancy (ex. What to Expect When You Are Expecting, or Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week) also include chapter(s) on prepregnancy and things that you could/should start doing before you conceive or to help your chances of conceiving. There are also some great websites available as well, Babycenter for instance, that have information and articles about preconception.

Lastly and most importantly, get as much sleep as you can. Seriously. Treasure your sleep. Give your body plenty of it because once you do get pregnant sleep starts becoming hard. I admit at the beginning of pregnancy it is easy to sleep, it is all you will want to do, but once you start growing no position is very comfortable. Also remember to relax and don't stress about things.

[Lemongrass]

Thanks so much Nickheartsmat, I love to be able to get advice from people who are speaking from experience. There is so much in what you have said that is so valuable. Cheers!

[Starling]

My only advice is to do any exercises you've learned at a prenatal group several times a day, until you can dream them. Because otherwise, once the time is there, you'll forget all about them!

[Lemongrass]

Originally Posted by Starling

My only advice is to do any exercises you've learned at a prenatal group several times a day, until you can dream them. Because otherwise, once the time is there, you'll forget all about them!

Thanks Starling. It is this type of advice you really can only get from someone who has been through the whole experience. Thanks again

[Kilee]

The most obvious things is to quit smoking ahead of time if you haven't already and to stop drinking alcohol. You don't want to try to quit after you're pregnant because of the stress quitting can cause. As far as drinking, you may as well get in the schedule of not being able to drink. And start taking care of your body with a healthy diet and regular exercise because pretty soon you will be eating for two and you don't want to be feeding your baby junk foods.