After marriage, every couple and also other members of the family, wait for the arrival of a baby. It's a couple's choice to decide as to when they want a baby. Starting a family is no easy task as it requires lot of preparation far ahead of taking this step.
If you are looking to start a family, then you should be aware of some important guidelines that will help both you and your baby.
Things to Consider
1. Healthy Diet
Nutrition is very essential in your every day diet. Have a balanced diet with a minimum of three meals on daily basis. Include green vegetables and citrus fruits in your meals as they are a good source of vitamins and fibers. For a healthy pregnancy, nutrients like calcium, iron and folic acid are most vital. If a multivitamin medicine is prescribed by your doctor it can be beneficial. Include foods like potatoes, cereals which have a high starch content. Fish, lean meat, whole grain, nuts are good source of protein and dairy food like milk and yogurt are great for calcium.
2. Don’t use Contraception
Some methods of contraception may affect pregnancy. It is important to be careful. In most cases, normal fertility level and periods return very swiftly in woman. If you are planning for a baby, then stop using contraceptive pill, remove any contraceptive implant or coil or any other method for birth control.
3. Balance your Weight
Any imbalance in weight, whether you are overweight or underweight, may impact the health of your baby. If you are overweight you need to have a balanced diet with minimum fat content and greater fiber content. A balanced diet, coupled with regular exercise, as guided by your consulting gynecologist will work wonders for you. If you are underweight, then make sure you consume a balanced meal to prevent miscarriage or a low-weighing baby.
4. Exercise
Regular exercise is very helpful for a healthy mother under the guidance of a gynecologist. Take walks in open spaces like gardens and parks for fresh air. Avoid being around an unhealthy atmosphere in or around your workplace if any. Take advice from your doctor when in doubt.
5. Avoid Drinking and Smoking
Drinking and smoking are dangerous and can affect your baby’s health terribly. They increase the chance of miscarriage, premature delivery or undeveloped baby. Avoid drinking, smoking and taking any drugs during your pregnancy for a healthy baby.
6. Use Folic Acid
Folic acid contains Vitamin B which is the most important vitamin supplement for a pregnant woman. It prevents your baby from any neural tube defects. You need to start taking folic acid immediately [from the first day] when you know about your pregnancy. Green vegetables, fruits with fibre, etc. are some good sources of folic acid.
7. Family Medical History
You should consult your gynecologist and discuss your medical history with them. If you are suffering from any disease or are a diabetic patient, then it is essential to take guidance of your consultant. It is important to discuss the medical history of your family if they have a genetic disease, so that necessary precautions and treatments can be done to conceive a healthy baby.
When you plan to bring a baby into this world, you have to be aware that it brings many added responsibilities for the new parents. You will have to play many roles and fulfill all responsibilities. A child is nurtured into a responsible person when he is taught good manners, good habits, great values and discipline in life. Share your responsibilities and try to nourish your baby carefully to provide her/him the best in the world.