Are you happily married and now ready for the big step of extending your family? Indeed it is a very exciting and happy moment for a couple but before you make any decisions it is extremely important to check your own lifestyle in order to have a health family. Firstly, since it is a big step, it is very important for both parents to agree on having a baby. It is very common of people to make pre-conceiving plans and changes in their lifestyles as there is an inner motivation to look good and of course not gain weight after the pregnancy. It is important for both parents to agree in order to make a lifestyle change. A woman constantly needs to take care of her body as she has to nurture the baby. The man on the other hand has to always support and be a pillar for the woman to get through the process together, in a healthy and happy manner. Remember, it is a long period of nine months and one has to be totally prepared for it. Only then can you experience the joy and pleasure of this wonderful gift of life.
So, you have decided to have a baby. The first step now is to evaluate your lifestyle and make healthy changes accordingly. How do you go about doing this? Here is a checklist of all things that you need to take care of and the changes you need to make in your lifestyle.
1. Visit your doctor
It is a very good idea to visit your family doctor or a good gynaecologist before you plan for your pregnancy or when you start trying to conceive. This is a good start in a way that if there are any health issues, they can be solved and dealt with before you get pregnant. The doctor will even suggest certain food diet and exercises and other healthy suggestions for you to conceive and give birth to a healthy child.
2. Be on a proper diet
It is said that our body reflects what we eat. Avoiding junk food and opting for a healthier choice of meals is good for anyone, but most important for mothers-to-be. It will be good if you consult a dietitian or your gynaecologist for the same but certain dietary controls and choices can be made at home and with suggestions from your parents and in-laws. Opt for healthier meals rather than junk and fried food. Involve a lot of green, leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Have three proper meals. One should not leave a long gap in between meals. Eat something every two hours, but that doesn’t mean you have wholesome meals every two hours. If you feel the need to have in-between meal snacks opt for options like dry fruits or normal fruits or milk. Calcium, iron and folic acid are very much needed for women who are trying for pregnancy. Your doctor might even recommend having folic acid supplements. Citrus fruits are very good during this time, juices and whole wheat breads and cereals are healthy options.
3. Give away any bad habit
Are you in the habit of drinking or smoking? Alcohol of any sort, smoking and drugs are the reasons which lead to situations like miscarriages, still births, pre-mature births and even a low birth weight. If you want to have a healthy and happy child, you need to get rid of these habits first. It is also advisable to go slow on your caffeine intake. Caffeine is like a type of drug which harms the chances of conceiving. Thus, you have to reduce your caffeine intake to only one cup of coffee or no coffee if you are a caffeine addict. Avoid aerated drinks too and stick to fresh fruit juices.
4. Stick to your exercise routine
Exercise not only provides you with a fit body but also provides greater strength and stamina to carry your baby for a whole nine months. Motherhood involves a lot of stress and even cravings at weird timings. With a proper diet and a strict exercise regime, these can be dealt with. Opt for a mediation regime too which will help you relax and prepare you for the big day. High level exercises like aerobics help you to control your mood swings and make you feel energetic and happy. Go walking, jogging, cycling, swimming; something that will give you that rush and energy and make you feel happy and fit. A good exercise regime also helps you maintain a proper figure even after you give birth.
5. Bonding with your partner
Things change when a new member arrives in the family. You need to strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Talk to your partner about how life would be after you have a baby, about how it is up to both of you to help the baby grow and develop a healthy life. Talk to your partner about your financial situations and what you both are ready for. Make your partner understand that for a new mother it is very important for her to give all her time to the baby and of course to take care of herself as well. A growing baby demands a lot of time and attention from both the parents. Communicate with your partner and have a mutual understanding so that you have a happy and a healthy family.