What to do to prepare for Pregnancy?

Question

So! My husband and I are scheduled to move from California, back to our family in Ohio, next June. We have decided that we are PLENTY ready for our first child, and want to start trying in November to get pregnant. (This will allow our first little one to arrive in August or later of next year). Yes, we are quite the planners... lol My question is, what should a woman start doing now, to prepare for being pregnant... vitamin recommendations? I just want my body to be as healthy as I can make it before I get pregnant....

Answer 1

The most important vitamin before you get pregnant is folate - folic acid.  Orange juice, fortified breads, cereals, all have it.  That will help prevent a number of birth defects. You could also take a regular prenatal multivitamin too (before, during & after pregnancy (nursing), I took the Vitamin World brand one - pretty clean vitamin with no bad fillers).  I would recommend avoiding mercury as much as possible - in other words, don't get your teeth filled or any old fillings removed (mercury residuals) - try to avoid or cut back on seafood - swordfish, etc.  and especially tuna.  Eat salmon and sardines (safest seafood).  Try to get used to "healthy" food now - eliminate processed foods, try to eat good things like yogurt, bananas, sweet potatoes, etc.  Stay away from radiation - learn to keep your cell phone away from your body, and don't put your cell on your pants or in your pockets.  Try to also avoid xerox machines as well.  I would highly recommend getting blood work done before pregnancy, most specifically a "titre test for rubella."  Your doctor will know what that means.  This will check you for antibodies to german measles, which could be horrific if you caught it during pregnancy.  Get your titres (antibodies) checked for chicken pox, measles & mumps while you are there as well.  I would highly recommend an HIV and a hepatitis test too - just to be sure all is OK.  If you are average or slightly underweight, try to put on 5-10 lbs before you get pregnant - sometimes the first 3 months is rough with eating/nausea.  Do any house upgrades now, so you are not smelling fumes (paint, cleaners) while you are pregnant or getting exposed to lead.  Some believe highly allergenic food like peanut butter is not good to eat because it could make the child susceptible to food allergies later on (I'm undecided on that one).  If you or your husband smoke/drink - try to give that up totally - or at least heavily reduce it.  If you take any medication now, see if you can eliminate it by the time you are pregnant, or ensure that it is safe if you need to take it during pregnancy (e.g. diabetes).  Other than that, best wishes ! :)  

Answer 2

http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/pr...

PS..

im from ohio too!!..

why would Ya wanna come back to BORING ohio?

Answer 3

Eat healthy and exercise.  Also take folic acid.  It will help against chromosomal disorders.  Save, save, save!  Pray a lot, and good luck.

Answer 4

Start taking prenatals and start eating healthy. Make sure you are a good weight for your height and stay happy and optimistic. Good luck!

Answer 5

A good idea is to get your body in good shape by exercising and eating healthy if you aren't already.  This will help make pregnancy and labor easier on you.  You should also schedule a pre-conception visit with your ob/gyn to discuss this question with them and so they can prescribe you a prenantal vitamin to start giving your body the vitamins it will need for you and baby while you are pregnant.  You should also begin to cut out the things you can't have while pregnant so you don't have to do this while pregnant.  Such things include caffeine, cigarettes (if you smoke), alcohol (if you drink) and so on.  Congratulations on the decision to get pregant.  Being pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a womans life and then comes the best thing in a womans life, the baby!!!!  Best of luck to you and your husband.  I wish the best of luck.  

Answer 6

Prenatal vitamins are good to start taking before you get pregnant.

Answer 7

Start exercising heaps. Also keep up your pre conception vitamins buy then at the chemist... drink lots of water. stop drinking smoking if u do...

Reduce stress as much as possible. and also research LOTS and LOTS on everything including morning sickness.cos that caught me off gauard and i lost my job...social life everything. 3 and a half weeks of pure horror SO FAR...and it started at 5 and bit weeks it think.

best of luck remember it could take  a while but be patient and just get your body in perfect mothering condition.

also go doc and get a general cheakup..get a dental cheakup all of that.