You're ready to become a mother. Whether you're a first-time mommy or not, understanding the importance of prenatal care is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Caring for your baby starts with caring for yourself. And, this begins well before you even get pregnant. If you're considering conception, begin by talking to your OB/GYN. A pre-prenatal conversation puts you on the right track from the start. What else do you need to know about self-care and pregnancy preparation? Check out these tips for getting your body ready to become a brand-new mama.
Even if you don't consider yourself a "drinker," putting a ban on alcohol is recommended if you're trying to get pregnant. That means you may want to skip the glass of wine you have with dinner or go for the virgin margarita during your night out with the girls. Along with ditching alcohol for right now, you might also want to make some more permanent changes when it comes to substance use. If you're a smoker, now is the time to stop. Not only is this important for your pregnancy, but it's equally as important for your overall health. Quitting for your soon-to-be baby is a change that can continue for the rest of your life. Think about it – if you can go nine months without a cigarette, you can keep right on going for the years to come. And without smoking, it's likely that you'll have many more of those years.
Pregnancy is like a marathon. It's tough on your body and takes incredible strength and endurance. The more physically fit you are going into pregnancy, the better you'll feel. Beyond pregnancy itself, being in good shape can help during delivery and make it easier to lose that dreaded baby weight. Don't worry; you don't exactly have to become a triathlete before getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy exercise routine looks like for you. It might mean adding a half-hour walk into your day, jogging, swimming a few times a week at your local pool or trying out yoga. Keep in mind, these types of activities can also help you to lose excess weight right now (before you ever need to think about baby weight) and may reduce your blood pressure.
Are you on any medications? It includes prescription, over-the-counter and herbal remedies. Talk to the OB/GYN about your meds and whether they're safe to take during pregnancy or not. Some medications won't harm an unborn baby, while others cross the placenta and can cause serious birth defects. If you're on a medication that isn't safe to take during pregnancy, your doctor can help you to find an alternative that works for your condition and doesn't come with such serious risks. Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor first.
