Key Preparations for Future Moms

Preparing for pregnancy can be overwhelming. Starting a family and raising a child are a big commitment, especially before your baby is born. But, there are key preparations you can make to ensure the best for you as a future mom and the best for your baby. Here are a few things you can consider when preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

Nutrition

1. Follow a healthy eating plan: A well-balanced diet with varied foods and plenty of fresh fruit and veggies will help you get in good shape for starting your family.
    
2. Start taking pregnancy supplements: The first 3 to 6 weeks after conception are critical for your baby’s development. The vital organs begin to develop during this time. Most women don’t realize that they are pregnant until after these critical weeks, however. This means that future moms may not get the right nutrients and the right amount of nutrients to support them and their growing babies.
   
   These nutrients take time to build within your body, and diet alone cannot guarantee that you will get sufficient amounts of each of these nutrients. Taking pregnancy multivitamins and mineral supplements, such as MULTIVITAMINS AND MINERALS (ELEVIT^® PRE-CONCEPTION), can help build up the essential nutrients required and help cover the needs of both you and your baby, with proper diet and exercise. It’s important to start taking a pregnancy multivitamin and mineral supplement such as MULTIVITAMINS AND MINERALS (ELEVIT^® PRE-CONCEPTION) at least 1 month before you try to get pregnant up to your first trimester.
   
   In your second and third trimesters, consider taking MULTIVITAMINS + MINERALS + DHA + EPA (ELEVIT^® PREGNANCY) which supplements your body with the essential nutrients for fetal brain and eye development with proper diet and exercise.

Lifestyle

1. Age and fertility: Your body is constantly changing, especially as you get older. Fertility declines with age; this goes for both dads and moms. Consider both your and your partner’s ages when planning to conceive. Consider discussing these plans with a healthcare professional as well, so you can get better insight on the challenges and benefits of conceiving and having a child at a particular age and time.
    
2. Develop a good exercise habit: Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular, moderate exercise will help both moms and dads be in the right condition for starting a family. You can even do it together!
    
3. Manage your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential as being over- or underweight can affect the chances of conception. Aim for a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.99. If you’re not quite there yet, your doctor can suggest some ways to get to the ideal weight for pregnancy, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health conditions.
    
4. Quit smoking and avoid alcohol: When you are conceiving, pregnant and while breastfeeding, it is important that you avoid alcohol and smoking completely to avoid potential complications for you and your baby. Dads are also recommended to avoid smoking and consuming excessive alcohol when conceiving, to help promote and maintain healthy sperm.
    
5. Reduce caffeine intake: Like the above, it is recommended to limit your caffeine consumption to a maximum of 200mg per day (about one 12 oz. cup of coffee). Caffeine can be found in a variety of food items such as chocolate, tea, and even a few soft drinks and energy drinks.
    
6. Reduce stress levels: Stress can affect your relationship and even reduce your sex drive. Try different stress management and relief techniques like yoga or meditation if you need to relax.
    
7. Track your ovulation: Know when you are likely to ovulate, so that you can work out the best time to conceive. You can estimate your ovulation calendar or purchase an ovulation predictor kit from your local pharmacy to help identify your fertile window. If you have been using contraception methods like an implant, the pill, or an injection, it will take some time for your fertility to return. Consult with your doctor if you intend to stop using contraception.
   
   Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovaries, a 12 to 24-hour time period when you are most fertile. This is the ideal period to conceive, to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
   
   Your ovulation cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days. Most women ovulate halfway through their menstrual cycle. In a 28-day cycle, for example, you might be ovulating on Day 14. Since cycle lengths vary, keep track of your dates and note of other bodily changes to better pinpoint your ovulation. Bodily changes may include a change or increase in vaginal mucus or changes in temperature. Your basal body temperature drops just before ovulation and increases immediately after. Make sure to take your temperature each morning before getting out of bed.

Important Checks

1. Visit your doctor: Consider speaking with your healthcare professional about conceiving. They can advise you on important aspects such as tests that may be needed, how your current medication may affect conception or pregnancy, and vaccinations recommended for carrying a baby. They may also consider the medical history of both parents and offer additional insight. Additionally, they may advise you to take treatments or procedures for existing conditions before trying to conceive.
    
2. Review your healthcare coverage: If you intend to use a healthcare policy during your pregnancy and birth, check the offers and entitlements of your policy. You may need to cover for at least 12 months before you become pregnant.
    
3. Check your maternity leave conditions: If you are a working parent, make sure to understand the maternity and paternity leave entitlements your work offers, and address any responsibilities you have to your employer before then.

Good luck with your pregnancy preparations! Remember to relax and have fun with your partner. An exciting time and amazing journey is ahead of you, as you get ready to meet the newest member of your family.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Reference No. B0188P090424E