What is the best thing I can do for myself before pregnancy?

Question

My husband and I want to start trying for a baby soon, so I started taking prenatal vitamins. I dont smoke or drink and I want to take care of myself as much as possible for both myself and our baby. Is there anything I (or my husband) can do now to make sure I will have a healthy pregnancy and baby?

Answer 1

So far it seems you have good habits. It would not hurt to talk to your OB/GYN for advice - especially about how to make sure that you and your husband are in the best condition when you decide to start making your baby (some things affect ova and sperm).

What i discovered during my child-making years was that we were best off when we lacked stress and had optimism. This is nothing that overly affects the phyical processes so much as the attitude during and after pregnancy. THAT'S important.

The other thing I learned is that my wife was TONS happier when she did not gain too much weight and was able to lose it reasonably well afterward. Now, don't take this too far - women who become obssessed with weight gain during pregnancy can harm themselves and their infants. But if you are trim and fit, and take care during pregnancy, and make sure you exercise appropriately, you will be one happy mommy later. So will Daddy.

You didn't mention your sex lives, so that's not properly part of your inquiry. However, allow me to observe that it is possible and even desirable to continue during pregnancy - and that you will not be very interested after giving birth. If you want Daddy to be a happy guy, you'll remember that he has not lost interest even if you have.

Answer 2

You already started taking the vitamins, which I believe to be the most important thing. Those prenatal vitamins contain the amount of folic acid that you will need for your baby. You need to have an adequate supply of folic acid in your system to prevent neural tube defects, and you need it in the first trimester.

Good job and good luck!

Answer 3

Girl it sounds to me like you are already doing a great job and have nothing to worry about! Just keep on eating right - eat a lot of healthy food! Drink a LOT of water and that is a plus. Get plenty of exercise too!

Answer 4

One of the most important things to have in your body while trying to conceive & especially in the 1st trimester of pregnancy is Omega 3 fatty acids. These are extremely important to the health of a fetus & its development. They can be found in fatty, cold water fish such as salmon, makrel, & herring. You can also get them in vitamin form, which is not as good health wise, but due to the mercury content in most store bought fish, it may be more advisable.

Answer 5

Its good to start an exercise program, so your body is in good shape, because this helps your body cope with the pregnancy better. Make sure you avoid things like tuna, which is high in mercury, and cat litter which can carry toxoplasmosis.

Answer 6

I would suggest starting an exercise program that you can do while pregnant. If you start it now, you'll be able to keep up with it easier while you are pregnant. Exercise during pregnancy will help your labor to go smoother. Good luck.

Answer 7

make sure that you both take lotsa' vitamins and herbs for health and start an exercise regimen for yourself, take lots of folic acid and omega 3 to imbue your baby with a strong brain.

Answer 8

Start taking folic acid as well. I took it in addition to my prenatal vitamins.

Answer 9

eat well, try to exercise regularly and get to your optimal weight for your height and age. having an exercise regimen beforehand is better than starting one after u find out. good luck

Answer 10

exercise! it's important to be in good shape to have a baby... stay away from sugar... you don't want diabetes during pregnancy and eat lots of fruits and veggies... good luck and God bless.