Is Your Body Ready for a Baby?

Having a baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. Although it’s not possible to prepare for every surprise along the way, there are some important steps you can take to ensure you’re physically ready for pregnancy. In fact, it can be a good idea for your partner to take these steps alongside you in order to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Are You Getting the Right Nutrients?

A balanced diet is essential for you and your baby during pregnancy, even during the earliest stages. It can also increase your chances of conceiving. You should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid fatty, sugary foods. You might want to take a supplement, but make sure that it doesn’t contain any vitamin A or iron as these can cause problems when you do get pregnant. It’s especially important to get plenty of folic acid before you get pregnant and in the first trimester as this will help your baby’s nervous system to develop correctly.

Are You at a Healthy Weight?

Carrying extra weight can reduce the chances of getting pregnant and increase the chances of complications. If you have a BMI of 25 or above, it is a good idea to lose the excess weight before you get pregnant. Make sure that you do it in a healthy way and remember that you will be putting some weight back on once you’re pregnant. Ask your GP for advice on managing your weight before, during and after pregnancy. If your BMI is under 19 then you should try to put on some weight before pregnancy.

Are You Getting Regular Exercise?

Exercise can build up your strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health, which will all be very important during pregnancy. You should try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. You should be able to keep following the same exercise routine when you do get pregnant but check with your doctor.

Have You Given Up Your Bad Habits?

If you smoke, then it’s important to give it up during pregnancy. Quitting now can increase your chances of conceiving and protect your baby. It’s important to avoid exposing your baby to smoke after he or she is born too. Avoiding alcohol is also a good idea when you’re trying to conceive.

Are Any Medical Issues Under Control?

If you have any health problems, it’s sensible to deal with these first before trying to get pregnant. Now is a good time to ask your GP about any unusual symptoms or to discuss how your treatment might need to change when you are expecting. You should also check that your immunisations are up to date and get any routine tests such as cervical smears that are due.

Are You Fertile?

Most women will be able to conceive within a year, but if you’re concerned about your fertility or you’ve had problems before, you might want to get your fertility checked. Tests such as ultrasound scans can detect certain fertility problems and there are often steps you can take to address these issues.