10 Things Couples Must Do Before Pregnancy

By Archana Mukherji

All couples are fond of having babies. A baby is the symbol of love in the family. If you have planned to have a baby, you, as a couple should make sure that you few things to do before pregnancy. Mostly, men do not pour into pregnancy related books and tips. They are interested in having a baby but not concerned about the pre-requisites of a woman, before getting pregnant.

Well, there are certain important things to do before pregnancy.. The first and foremost thing is to mentally prepare themselves to plunge into parenthood. In order to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, there are some important things that you need to do before you head down to the road of conception.

6 Common Birth Control Mistakes

Trying to avoid hidden risks is one important thing couples should do before pregnancy. It is very important that you make yourself physically, mentally and financially stable. As you can expect lot of additional expenses after child birth, the pregnancy period is also no less-expensive. A little bit of extra care can create wonders. Many new couples might not know the secret behind pre-pregnancy care. Here are some valuable tips and 10 best things to do before pregnancy:

Pre-conception Doctor Visit:

Pre-conception Doctor Visit:

One important thing that couples should do before having a baby is to have a complete physical examination. This will help identify diseases or fertility problems if any, which can be rectified at the earlier stages itself.

Stop Birth Control Pills:

Stop Birth Control Pills:

Another major thing that couples should do before having a baby is to stop birth control pills at-least 2 months in advance. Only then, you will be able to identify your normal menstrual cycle. If you have been consuming birth control pills for a while, your menstrual cycle would have changed, compared to what it was earlier. It will take some time for your hormone level to be back to normal after you ditch these pills.

Start Consuming Folic Acid:

Start Consuming Folic Acid:

This is yet another important thing couples should do before having a baby. Any woman planning to get pregnant in the next 3 to 6 months should start taking a daily multivitamin called folic acid.

Avoid Bike Rides:

Avoid Bike Rides:

Jerks during bike rides can be harmful for a woman planning to get pregnant and it is always advisable to avoid this.

Healthy Diet:

Healthy Diet:

Make sure you stock your refrigerator with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts and consume them every day.

Beware Of Smoking And Drinking:

Beware Of Smoking And Drinking:

Smoking and drinking are injurious to health and it is a good advice to avoid these in the pre-pregnancy period. You should neither be an active nor passive smoker.

Aim A Healthy Weight:

Aim A Healthy Weight:

Make sure you maintain a healthy weight, sufficient enough to carry your baby. This is one of the important things to do before pregnancy.

Reduce Your Caffeine Intake:

Reduce Your Caffeine Intake:

Too much caffeine can trigger miscarriage and should avoid withdrawal after you are pregnant. So this is one another thing couples should do before having a baby.

Follow An Exercise Program And Keep Away From Hazards:

Follow An Exercise Program And Keep Away From Hazards:

It is a very good practice to start exercising regularly and keep away from pesticides and chemicals, which are often found in dry cleaning and auto shops. This can make it difficult to conceive.

Maintain Finance Properly:

Maintain Finance Properly:

Manage your finances and save money for the emergency expenses during and post pregnancy.

Story first published: Saturday, February 21, 2015, 16:04 [IST]
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