The healthier you are when you are preparing for pregnancy, the higher your chance of having a healthy baby. It is important to prepare for having a baby because your baby’s organs begin developing in the first few weeks of pregnancy. At this time you might not even know you are pregnant. There is nothing you can do that will ensure you give birth to a healthy baby, but there are measures you can take to give you and your baby the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

If you are planning on having a baby, it is a good idea to have a pre-pregnancy check-up. Your health care provider will be able to give you advice on how to have a healthy pregnancy once you give him/her your medical history, any medications you might be taking, your lifestyle and diet and if you have had any pregnancies in the past. If you are on any medication, it might need to be changed or stopped because of the effect it might have on you or your baby when you are pregnant. You might not think the medication is strong and believe it might not have any effect, but this is why you need to have a pre-pregnancy check-up. Something that you think may be harmless needs to be evaluated by your health care provider as it could affect you or the developing fetus. Make a list of questions you will want to ask your care giver before you arrive for your appointment. This will save you from having to make another appointment if you forget to ask something you wanted to know.

There are certain things you should be concerned about if you are thinking about trying to conceive. If you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, both you and your partner should be treated prior to becoming pregnant. An anti-biotic might be able to cure you of most sexually transmitted diseases, but this is not the case for all sexually transmitted diseases thus leaving you and your baby exposed to risks. Not all sexually transmitted diseases show signs or symptoms so be sure to ask your health care provider to do the appropriate tests to make sure you are in the clear.

You will need to prepare your body for pregnancy. Your body needs to be healthy to produce healthy eggs or sperm. Being underweight or overweight can affect your fertility. If you are underweight causing menstruation to stop, you will not be able to fall pregnant. You should consult your doctor who can advise you on how to increase your intake of healthy foods and slowly increase your weight to a healthy size. If you are overweight, you should consult your doctor who can advise you on a healthy eating plan and exercise regime. You should aim for your body to be in good health before becoming pregnant in order to give you and your baby the best chance of a healthy pregnancy. You should not drink alcohol or smoke or take any recreational drugs. It’s a good idea to take folic acid supplements twelve weeks prior to conception and for the first twelve weeks of your pregnancy.

Advice for men is to avoid hot baths and any exposure to radiation or chemicals. Try to achieve a healthy weight. Men should also cut back on smoking and drinking alcohol. A mans boxer shorts and trousers should not be tight, opt for looser fitting styles instead.
Family members and friends that have been pregnant will also be able to tell you what you can expect. They will be able to offer you advice and give you support during and after your pregnancy.