Take multivitamins
Prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide a woman’s body with exactly what it needs during pregnancy. They play a key role in not only replenishing nutritional stores but also in adding important vitamins and minerals to keep away deficiencies. Check the ingredients label for 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid, a supplement that helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, according to the Office on Women’s Health.
Eat whole foods
Double cheeseburgers and loaded french fries may make your mouth water, but now is the time to be selective with what you eat. Choose whole grains, vegetables and fruit over processed foods. Organic foods contain less toxins and additives, making them healthier for you and baby.
Keep on movin’
If you’re already an active exerciser, great! Keep on keeping on with your doctor’s go ahead. Moving at least five times per week gets the heart pumping and readies your body for pregnancy. Aerobic activities, like cycling and running, challenge your endurance and muscles. Walking 30 minutes per day is a great activity for those less active. As with any activity, check with your doctor to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
See your doctor
If you haven’t had a physical, eye exam or teeth cleaning in the past year, now is the time. Detecting issues before they become problems during pregnancy is critical to good health. If you cannot remember the last time you had a blood panel, this is the perfect time to have baseline numbers on file with your general practitioner. Need vaccinations? Take care of those ASAP!
Chart your cycle
Knowing the window of ovulation during your menstrual cycle is important. Apps such as Femometer and Flo allow you to record monthly observations and details. Charting the days when you’re most fertile will help in your quest to have a baby.
Choose water
Limit caffeine, cut out alcohol and up your water intake. To properly hydrate, doctors recommend drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. The more you drink, the better you’ll feel as you flush your body free of toxins.
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