For the pregnancy to proceed healthily, it is important that the couple consult a gynecologist, at least 3 months before becoming pregnant, so that he can indicate what the woman and man should do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
It is important that tests are carried out before pregnancy, and some precautions are recommended, such as increasing the consumption of foods rich in folic acid or using supplementation for the healthy development of the baby.
Some of the precautions you should take before getting pregnant are:
1. Start taking folic acid
Folic acid is a B complex vitamin that is important for ensuring the correct closure of the baby’s neural tube, which occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the woman often does not yet know that she is pregnant.
Therefore, increasing the consumption of foods rich in folate, such as broccoli, boiled eggs and black beans, for example, can help ensure a pregnancy with fewer risks for the baby. Discover other foods rich in folic acid.
In addition, the use of a folic acid supplement is generally recommended, which should be started at least 3 months before stopping contraceptives, to reduce the risk of neurological problems in the baby.
2. Take preconception exams
At least 3 months before starting to try to get pregnant, a complete blood test, urine test, stool test and serological tests for cytomegalovirus, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, hepatitis B and AIDS must be carried out. In addition, women must also undergo a pap smear and ultrasound to check their gynecological health. The man can also perform a spermogram, to evaluate the efficiency and quantity of sperm.
If the future mother or father has a family history of genetic malformations or if the couple has a close relationship, as occurs when it comes to marriage between cousins, the couple must also undergo specific genetic tests. See other tests to get pregnant.
3. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages
Alcohol consumption is not recommended during pregnancy and, therefore, if a woman is trying to get pregnant, this can happen at any time, without her knowing, and she should therefore avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, coffee intake should also be reduced, as it can affect a woman’s ability to absorb iron. The dose of caffeine should therefore not exceed 200 mg.
4. Check vaccinations
Some vaccines are important to ensure a smooth pregnancy, such as vaccines against rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus and, therefore, if the woman has not yet had any of these vaccines, she should speak to her doctor.
Find out which vaccines you should and should not take during pregnancy.
5. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise promotes body relaxation and improves its functions, as well as helping to maintain an ideal weight, which also contributes to a healthy and calmer pregnancy.
Exercises can continue to be performed during pregnancy, however, women should avoid high-impact exercises such as jumping, football or basketball games, for example, as falls can lead to miscarriage, and prefer safer exercises, such as walking, bodybuilding, running, cycling and Pilates.
6. Quit smoking
Women who smoke should stop smoking even before getting pregnant, because smoking makes ovulation and egg implantation difficult, reducing the chances of getting pregnant. Furthermore, it is advisable to start reducing in advance because, for some people, it can be very difficult to kick the habit and ideally, the woman should be able to stop before becoming pregnant.
7. Eat well
In addition to avoiding fats, sugars and processed foods, a good tip is to invest in healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fiber and probiotics, which will provide the body with the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
It is important to include foods rich in folic acid in your diet, as well as foods rich in vitamin E, such as broccoli, spinach, pears, tomato juice, salmon, pumpkin seeds, kale, eggs, blackberries, apples and carrots, for example, because They help regulate hormonal production, facilitating conception.
