Having a baby is one of joyous moments in a couple’s life, especially for the woman. Some women, however, find it quite challenging to conceive.

Whether you are a young couple on your first pregnancy attempt or you are a TTC mom (trying to conceive) who’s been trying for a long while now, here are some tips you should put to practice.

Getting started

Quit Using Birth Control

As you are getting ready to conceive, you need to stop all forms of birth control you are currently using. Some birth control measures do not allow for immediate conception, but others do.

Track your menstrual cycle

Getting intimate with your cycle is important to help you narrow down your ovulation and fertility window. If something odd happens during this period, it will be easier for you to detect it. If this is difficult for you to do so manually, you can download a tracking app.

No more alcohol, drugs and tobacco

You’ll need to pause your consumption of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, and if possible, quit completely. Alcohol intake can expose your baby to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Tobacco smoke can introduce toxic chemicals to the fetus, limit, or even induce preterm labour. The chemical content of such drugs as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc. puts you at the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.

The importance of dietary supplements

Carrying a pregnancy is a big task for your body. You need to prep up your system’s nutritional store to make for your health and that of the new life you are trying to form. Begin by taking prenatal multivitamins to prevent having nutritional deficiencies at the early stage of your pregnancy.

Your body also needs extra folic acid, at least 400 micrograms daily. You can obtain this from folate supplements. This is necessary for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy. It also protects the baby’s spine. Add vitamins to this, but do not overuse them. Some vitamins like A, D, E and K can cause birth defects if taken in excess dose.

Eat right

On a general note, you need to eat well. You sure want to stay strong to carry your baby through the fetus stage. Eating a healthy and balanced diet also affects the health of your baby. You should limit your exposure to toxins by incorporating whole fruits and vegetables into your meals. Eat foods reach in protein and if you can’t, use supplements. Because seafood contains mercury, it is advisable that you avoid excess of it.

You might need to take a preconception visit to your doctor whether you are attempting pregnancy for the first time or you have been on it for a while. This is necessary to clarify any fertility issue that may be known or unknown. Your obstetrician should ask some questions and screen your body to ascertain that it is ready to carry a pregnancy.

Ok, do it

You want a baby? Have sex then. Don’t make it boring and tedious. Make love as often as possible and have fun doing it. Unless you’ve had fertility issues, you don’t have to fret over timing. Just do it unprotected for as many tines as you can throughout your cycle.

Getting the baby inside you

At the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle, your ovary releases an egg which travels down the fallopian tube. The released egg needs to come in contact with the male sex cell, the sperm for fertilization to occur. You can achieve this by coupling naturally with your male partner or through artificial insemination. There are other ways for the mother who has had failed attempts. Your obstetrician or gynecologist would guide you.

Checkout family history

Your baby will unavoidably inherit some genetic traits with roots in either of the family trees. It won’t be a bad idea to speak with your own family members as well as those from your partner’s side. If you uncover something that gives you concern, consult your doctor early enough.

Your Medical history

You need to review your medical history with your doctor. This will include recent and current medical prescriptions and supplements. Your doctor should be able to tell you if such medicines or supplements are healthy for your pregnancy. If found unhealthy, please discontinue use.

Just to add, if you are experiencing domestic violence or any form of abuse which endangers your health or life as well as the safety of your baby, do well to seek help from appropriate quarters.

Get enough rest

You definitely need good sleep. Having adequate rest during your pregnancy journey gives your fetus a relaxed ambience for a healthy growth.

Water!
Did you know that a whole 60% of your body is made up of water? Guzzle enough water to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated, even before and during your pregnancy.

He should also be checked out

If you have tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant, it is recommended that you also have your male partner checked out. He should quit alcohol and smoking, while eating well and consulting with the doctor to confirm that he has a healthy reproductive system.

Exercise

Remember that pregnancy causes some changes in your body. If you start exercising before you take in, your body would easily deal with the changes. Exercise during pregnancy does not have to be intensive or tasking. If you are unsure of how far you can go, talk to your midwife

Check Your Insurance Coverage
I’m sure you wouldn’t want to bring a child to suffer from deprivation of basic needs and comfort. If this is the case, you need to review your health insurance coverage. You should be able to afford adequate prenatal and postnatal care. This is good for both your wellbeing and that of the new life you are bringing to the world.

Last words

There are a whole lot of things you should have in place as you try to conceive. You wellbeing and that of the unborn baby matter a lot. Do all you can to ensure this.