In modern life, more and more women are marrying later in life, resulting in a large number of older mothers. Coupled with the impact of diseases and the environment in recent years, the process of newlyweds conceiving has become increasingly difficult. To ensure a healthy offspring, careful consideration must be given to all aspects of life before conception, including sleep patterns, diet, and lifestyle habits.
Doing these 8 things before getting pregnant can help increase your chances of conceiving and giving birth to a healthy baby:
1. Understand your family health history
Consult with both parents to find out if there is a history of genetic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Undergo preconception checkups at the hospital to detect any abnormalities or potential problems before pregnancy, and conceive in a planned and scientific manner under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Calculate the ovulation day
Starting from the first day of your next menstrual period, ovulation occurs on the 14th day, during which the chances of conception are highest, and intercourse can be considered. The five days before and four days after ovulation constitute the fertile window. Pregnancy occurring later in this window carries a higher risk of miscarriage.
3. Control weight
Studies show that women with a body mass index (BMI) below 20 or above 30 are relatively less likely to conceive. Being underweight can lead to insufficient nutrient absorption in the baby and increase the risk of miscarriage; being overweight can increase the risk of gestational diabetes and the birth of a macrosomic infant. Therefore, it is best to maintain a BMI between 20 and 30 before pregnancy.
4. Supplement with folic acid
Folic acid deficiency is relatively common among women of childbearing age in China. Folic acid is a vitamin that has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects and is particularly effective in preventing neural tube defects.
Dark green vegetables, oranges, beans, and nuts are all rich in folic acid, and it's advisable to increase your intake. It's important to note that folic acid is water-soluble, so it's essential to retain some moisture during cooking to prevent its loss.
(Preconception preparation requires the joint efforts of both partners)
5. Pay attention to oral hygiene
Periodontal disease can lead to premature birth and low birth weight. Studies have found that pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a premature birth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can easily trigger pregnancy gingivitis; if women pay attention to their dental health before pregnancy, they can effectively reduce the risk of developing dental problems during pregnancy.
6. Quit smoking, drinking alcohol, and drinking coffee.
Smoking can affect fertility and sperm count in men, and even secondhand smoke can impact the chances of conception. Furthermore, excessive caffeine intake can hinder iron absorption and increase the risk of stillbirth. Therefore, expectant mothers should gradually give up caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola, and couples should avoid smoking and alcohol.
7. Stay away from dangerous environments
Before pregnancy, it's advisable to avoid certain chemicals and radioactive substances to prevent potential risks to the pregnant woman and fetus. While there's no definitive analysis of the effects of computers and television on pregnancy, it's best to avoid continuous computer use for more than eight hours at work and take appropriate breaks during these times.
8. Strengthen your own immunity
Preventing infections before pregnancy is very important, and attention should be paid to hygiene in the diet. In addition, appropriate light physical exercise, such as jogging, cycling, or yoga, can be used to strengthen the immune system and avoid viral or bacterial infections.
However, there's no need to be overly cautious or meticulous in preparing for pregnancy. Excessive stress can easily lead to negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, which may actually affect fertility.
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