You have decided to have a baby now and are worried, what to do to be ready and have a healthy body for pregnancy? Obviously, your health will directly affect your baby's health, and you do not want to take any chance. Your physical as well as emotional health is very important, if you are trying to get pregnant. It is not like that you should take care of yourself after being pregnant. You can build a strong foundation for a coming pregnancy, by caring about your health. Remember, a healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy child. Below you will find some important points, which you can take care of, in order to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby:

1. Preconception Check-Up

You should know the status of your body before getting pregnant. Therefore, the first step should be the preconception medical check-up. Consult a gynecologist, with whom you are comfortable to discuss all the points. Ask her to evaluate your health and identify risks, which may occur during your pregnancy. If you have any medical problem like diabetes, epilepsy, dyslipidemia or high blood pressure, or if you are going under any medical treatment, discuss it with your doctor thoroughly. You may be required to change to another drug, which will be safe for the developing fetus. In case, if you have any medical history, you should also disclose that to your doctor. If you are using any contraceptive method, you should tell your doctor. Additionally, you should tell about any menstruation or ovulation problem, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies or delivery complications, if there is any.

Another important thing that you must discuss is that if you have contacted a sexually transmitted disease before. It is very important, and you should be honest about it. These kinds of infections can cause harm to the fetus and can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, any complication and infertility. If you are at risk of any sexually transmitted disease, a preconception screening and proper treatment is required.

2. Family History

Your gynecologist should ask about yours and your partner's family history of any medical disorder, birth defect or genetic disorder. In case if you have any, a genetic testing will be required, in order to avoid any further complications. Family history plays an important role in your pregnancy, and it is advisable to discuss it with your doctor.

3. Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet, rich in all nutrients is very vital for a healthy pregnancy as the requirement rapidly increases after conception. It is better to replenish the stores of nutrients in your body, beforehand. Start eating green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, etc. Include the foods, which are rich in calcium like milk, broccoli, oranges, black beans, etc. The good sources for iron, which you can include, are spinach, pumpkin seeds, nuts, peas, lean meat, liver and lentils, etc. Avoid too much of caffeine and other junk foods.

4. Healthy Weight

Achieve a healthy weight, according to your height, so that your body mass index should be in normal category. It has been proven that the females having healthy BMI have more chances of having a healthy pregnancy. So, if you are underweight, start gaining weight and if you are overweight, start losing those extra kilos, before you get pregnant, as both conditions can lead to tiredness and increase the risks of blood pressure and other threatening disorders during pregnancy. To lose weight in a healthy way, you should cut down on the foods which are high in fat and sugar and start doing exercise regularly. The combination of the two will help you achieve the ideal weight, without any side effects.

5. Prenatal Supplements

Consult your doctor for any prenatal supplements. It can be the case that your diet is not fulfilling all your requirements. So, you need to supplement your body with extra vitamins and minerals. Talk to your doctor and start having the additional supplements like folic acid, iron or calcium. Folic acid helps in reducing the chances of morning sickness and feeling dizzy. It can also prevent the neural tube defects. Start having the folic acid in the natural form, like from leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts and beans, at least three months before getting pregnant.

6. Avoid Harmful Habits

It includes smoking, alcohol and drugs. You should quit all these habits before getting pregnant as all of this can cause harmful conditions for developing fetus. It can cause low birth weights, sudden infant death syndrome and low birth weight. Furthermore, alcohol, smoking and drug intake can lower the chances of conception as well.

7. Avoid Stress and Be Calm

One of the greatest ways to prepare your body for pregnancy is to have a stress free and composed life. Your state of mind should be relaxed and tension free. Positive approach towards life is a must to have a healthy pregnancy. A good exercise regime and meditation are the great way to have a stress-free life.

Keep all these points in mind and prepare a positive body for a healthy pregnancy because motherhood starts before conception. Enjoy every day of your pregnancy and have a healthy baby!!