Did you think about these things before having a baby? (Pre-pregnancy Checklist)

Are you and your partner thinking about having a baby? It's a big decision in life, but it's also a big responsibility. But before you have a baby, it's important to keep your body as healthy and prepared as possible for that little guest. We call this 'preconception care'. Think of it like preparing the soil for a healthy plant. So, today, let's talk about some things you should definitely do before having a baby .

1. Go see a doctor first.

You might be thinking, "Oh, you'll have to go to the doctor after having a baby, so why now?" But it's actually very important to see a doctor beforehand. Even if you've had babies before, it's a good idea to see a doctor this time too. Because any health problems you have (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) can affect your pregnancy. So, it's much safer for you and your baby to get them under control early.

The doctor will ask you and your partner about a complete medical history. He or she may also perform some tests to make sure neither of you has any medical conditions that could affect your pregnancy.

Additionally, depending on your family's genetic history, your doctor may also recommend testing for diseases such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.

2. Take care of your teeth and gums too.

This may not be something you've ever thought about, but there's a big link between healthy oral health and a healthy pregnancy. Gum disease can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. So, it's best to see a dentist now to get your oral health issues addressed.

3. Stay away from smoking and alcohol completely.

You probably know that smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are not good at all. These things interfere with the baby's development and can cause health problems for the baby later on.

But the most important thing is to stay away from these habits even before you get pregnant . Smoking and alcohol consumption can reduce your chances of getting pregnant and increase your risk of miscarriage. If you need help quitting these habits, talk to your doctor about it.

4. Should we limit the use of caffeine?

Drinking more than two cups of coffee a day (about 250 milligrams of caffeine) may make it harder for you to get pregnant and increase your risk of miscarriage . This includes not only coffee, but also the caffeine found in tea, some sodas, and chocolate.

There's another benefit to cutting back on caffeine now: You won't have to deal with the discomfort and caffeine cravings that come with the early weeks of pregnancy.

5. Choose food wisely

As mentioned earlier, we are now creating the best environment for the baby to come. So, this is the best time to stay away from junk food that has no nutrition. Include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein in your daily diet.

Adopting a nutritious diet before you get pregnant can also help protect you from conditions like gestational diabetes that can occur during pregnancy.

6. It is mandatory to take folic acid.

This is something you should definitely do. Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is naturally found in leafy greens. Folic acid has been shown to be essential for preventing serious birth defects (such as neural tube defects) in the baby's brain and spinal cord.

7. Lose unnecessary weight

If you are overweight, it increases your risk of complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure (preeclampsia).

Pregnancy is generally not a good time to lose weight. So, if you want to lose weight, the best time to do so is before you get pregnant .

8. Tell your doctor about the medications you are taking.

This is also very important. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. That means prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and even Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines. Some of these can affect the baby.

9. Eat seafood sparingly.

You may have heard that it's not good to eat fish high in mercury during pregnancy. But it can take up to a year for the mercury to leave your body, so it's a good idea to be aware of this beforehand.

Eating fish twice a week is great, but larger fish like tuna, king mackerel, and shark have higher mercury levels. Instead, include smaller fish like sardines, herring, and halibut in your diet.

10. Start exercising.

Exercising not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps you gain the strength and fitness you need for childbirth. So, start an exercise you enjoy (like walking or yoga) now.

11. Prepare yourself mentally for this big change.

A child is a blessing. And, it changes everything in your life. It affects everything from your job, to managing your finances, to your relationship with your partner. Talking about all of these things in advance, planning, and mentally preparing for them will make the beautiful journey ahead much easier.