Couples should be well prepared before getting pregnant. The following eight things must be done before getting pregnant. Careful preparation can greatly reduce the probability of fetal malformations and also bring many benefits to women.
1. Understand family health history
Consult the parents of both men and women to find out whether they have a genetic history, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Go to the hospital for a pre pregnancy examination to promptly detect abnormalities and potential problems before pregnancy, and plan and scientifically conceive under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Calculate the ovulation day
Starting from the first day of your next menstrual cycle and ending on the 14th day of ovulation, you have the highest chance of becoming pregnant, so you can consider cohabiting. The first 5 days and the last 4 days of the ovulation day together become the ovulation period. During the late ovulation period, pregnancy and miscarriage are more likely.
3. Weight control
Studies have shown that women with a body mass index (BMI) below 20 or above 30 are relatively less likely to conceive. Low body weight, insufficient nutrition absorption of infants, and easy abortion; If you are overweight, you may suffer from pregnancy diabetes, which increases the risk of having a macrosomia. Therefore, it is best to control the body mass index between 20 and 30 before pregnancy.
4. Supplement folic acid
Folic acid deficiency is common among women of childbearing age in China. Folic acid is a vitamin that has been proven to reduce the risk of birth defects and is particularly effective in preventing neurological defects.
Dark green vegetables, oranges, beans, and nuts are all rich in folic acid, which can be appropriately increased in intake. It should be noted that folic acid is easily soluble in water, so a small amount of water must be retained during cooking to avoid its loss.
5. Pay attention to oral health care
Periodontal disease can lead to premature birth and low birth weight babies. Research has found that pregnant women with periodontal disease may have a 7-fold increase in the probability of premature delivery. Changes in hormones during pregnancy can easily induce gingivitis during pregnancy. If women pay attention to dental health before pregnancy, it can effectively reduce the risk of dental disease during pregnancy.
6. Quit smoking, alcohol, and coffee
Smoking can affect fertility and sperm count in men, and even secondhand smoke can affect the chance of conception. In addition, consuming too much caffeine can hinder iron absorption and increase the risk of fetal death in the uterus. Therefore, expectant mothers should gradually abstain from caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola, and couples should avoid smoking and alcohol.
7. Keep away from hazardous environments
Before pregnancy, some chemical and radioactive substances should be kept away to avoid danger to pregnant women and the fetus. Currently, there is no precise analysis of the impact of computers and television on pregnancy, but it is important to avoid using computers continuously for more than eight hours at work and take appropriate breaks during this period.
8. Strengthen self immunity
It is important to avoid infection before pregnancy, and pay attention to hygiene in diet. In addition, appropriate and mild physical exercises such as jogging, cycling, yoga, etc. can be carried out to strengthen immunity and avoid being infected by viruses or bacteria.
However, there is no need to be too cautious and meticulous in preparing for pregnancy. Excessive mental stress can easily cause negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, which can affect fertility.