Baby planning tips: 7 lifestyle changes to make before conceiving

Are you planning to start a family? Maybe you're wondering if there's anything you can do to help you become pregnant. There are some situations that may be out beyond your control or require medical attention.
Starting a family is an exciting and significant journey that requires careful preparation and consideration. While some health conditions that affect fertility may be beyond your control and require medical intervention, many lifestyle choices can greatly influence your ability to conceive.Quitting smoking, alcohol, and drugs, and limiting caffeine are crucial first steps. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, along with maintaining a healthy weight, can enhance fertility. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation is also vital.
Additionally, it's important to prevent sexually transmitted infections, which can impact fertility. Consult with your healthcare provider about any medications and supplements you're taking. By adopting these healthy lifestyle changes, you create an optimal environment for conception and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and baby. These proactive measures empower you on your path to motherhood .
According to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, “These are health conditions that interfere with a person's ability to become pregnant. However, there are certain lifestyle choices that might impact fertility. Here is what you need to know before you embark on the journey to motherhood.”
Quit smoking, alcohol, drugs and limit caffeine: It is best to quit using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products before becoming pregnant if you smoke or use other tobacco products. They may raise your risk of miscarriage, or losing the baby before it is born, and make it more difficult for you to become pregnant.
Alcohol can harm a growing fetus (unborn baby), even in small amounts. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause long-term problems for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and facial and heart defects.

Tobacco use has negative effects on unborn babies and increases the likelihood of health issues for the offspring. When attempting to become pregnant, you should also reduce your coffee intake. Lastly, limit supplements and medications that are not essential. Before you try to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Consume a balanced diet : It's always healthy to have a balanced diet. Before getting pregnant, maintain a nutritious diet. Consume more protein-rich meals. You'll be healthier before getting pregnant if you eat fruits, veggies, grains, and dairy.
Prevent sexually transmitted infections: A major contributing factor to infertility is infection, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Keep your weight in check: Excessive weight gain or loss might prevent ovulation, the release of eggs, and irregular menstrual periods.

Take folic acid and vitamins: A vitamin and mineral supplement containing folic acid should be taken. Prenatal folic acid supplementation lowers the chance of birth malformations, particularly spinal abnormalities. Never take excessive amounts of any vitamin, but especially those of A, D, E, and K. If you take more of these vitamins than is generally advised each day, birth problems may result. No vitamin is given in overly high levels in regular pregnancy prenatal vitamins.
Regular exercise: It may be easier for your body to adjust to all of the changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth if you exercise before becoming pregnant. Discuss the types and amounts of exercise that are healthy for you with your physician.
Relaxation, rest, and stress: Strive to unwind and minimize tension as much as you can when attempting to conceive. Contemplate strategies for reducing anxiety. To help you reduce and manage stress when trying to conceive, consider yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other techniques.