After marriage, the moment of the first pregnancy is what most couples look forward to. Preparing for pregnancy properly is the key to a strong and healthy body so that every stage of pregnancy goes smoothly and avoids health problems. What are the keys to preparing for pregnancy? At least these 7 steps must be considered to prepare to become a prospective mother.
Also read: While promil, let’s get acquainted with the terms used in pregnancy
7 Steps to Prepare for Pregnancy
So, Mums and Dads, here are 7 steps to prepare for pregnancy that one of them should not be missed:
1. Talk heart to heart with your partner
This is the first step that is often overlooked because it assumes our partner has the same desires and goals. Ask yourself, are you ready to be a parent? Are you ready physically, mentally and financially? Is this the right time to have children? Also agree on the parenting style that you want to apply later, because differences in parenting styles can be a source of problems later. Talk about everything openly.
2. Consult with an obstetrician
The doctor will carry out several examinations related to medical history, medical conditions that have been experienced, drugs that have been or are being taken, and so on. This is necessary to avoid abnormalities in the fetus.
If necessary, husband and wife can do fertility checks. Also consult with a doctor to vaccinate so that the health of the prospective fetus is maintained. Several important types of vaccines are the MMR vaccine, varicella vaccine, HPV vaccine, and so on.
Also read: Want Promil Success? Know the Importance of Sperm Tests
3. Maintain ideal body weight
BMI or Body Mass Index examination is needed to see whether the expectant mother’s weight is ideal or not. Women with ideal BMI tend to get pregnant more easily. Being overweight or underweight can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Reported from kemkes.go.id, The ideal BMI is in the range of 18.5 – 25.0. How to calculate BMI is body weight (kg) divided by height (m)². For example, your weight is 50 kg and your height is 150 cm (1.5 m), then your BMI is 50/ (1.5)² = 22.2 means in the normal range.
4. Fill with nutrition and with nutritious food
Change your daily diet with more balanced nutrition. Expand fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in protein, calcium, iron and folic acid. Consumption of folic acid is recommended 6 months before pregnancy. Folic acid besides helping reduce the risk of ovulation failure is also beneficial for the growth of nerves and spine.
Also read: How to Prepare Mentally During Promil
5. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise needs to be done so that the body is strong in dealing with physical changes during pregnancy. No need for strenuous exercise, choose according to your physical condition. Swimming, yoga, cycling, or just walking around the complex is also possible. But do it routinely for at least 30 minutes every day.
6. Have sex regularly. Record and calculate the menstrual cycle to find out the fertile period. Having sex 2-3 times during the fertile period can increase the chances of pregnancy.
7. Healthy lifestyle physically and mentally. Apart from exercising and consuming nutritious food, also leave bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. However, preparing for pregnancy is not only a physical matter, what is no less important is that the expectant mother must also be mentally healthy.
Stress, anxiety, and worry are normal feelings experienced by expectant parents. Both mothers-to-be and father-to-be need to learn to manage stress well, don’t let feelings of anxiety and worry eat away at your mind so that it interferes with your physical health and relationship with your partner. Control stress and anxiety by practicing meditation or consult a psychologist.
So, Mums, let’s share with other Mums about preparing for pregnancy in the Pregnant Friends Community. Just click on the link here.
