Pregnancy represents a period of significant change, encompassing both physical and emotional transformations. Given the multitude of shifts experienced during this stage, it’s crucial to prioritise your health and well-being to ensure a secure and thriving pregnancy experience. Mentioned below are certain aspects to be considered of you are planning a pregnancy.
Dr Tanveer Aujla, Senior Consultant Obstetrician &Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida, shared more insights with us on the topic.
Adhering to a well-balanced diet and physical activity: Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential for nourishing your body. Incorporate foods such as green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and iron-rich foods into your meals. Fresh, whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are abundant in antioxidants and vitamins that support fertility.
Regular physical activity helps to improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, staying active can alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy such as back pain and fatigue, while also improving mood and reducing stress levels.
Engaging in prenatal exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prepare the body for labour and delivery. However, it’s important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for their individual circumstances. With proper guidance, staying active can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy experience.
Regular health checkups: Regular and timely check-ups during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. These check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor the progress of the pregnancy, detect any potential complications early on, and provide necessary interventions to ensure a healthy outcome.
From monitoring vital signs to conducting ultrasounds and blood tests, these routine examinations help in identifying and addressing any health concerns promptly, ensuring a safe and smooth pregnancy journey.
Supplements to have during Pregnancy: During pregnancy, certain supplements can play a vital role in supporting the health and development of the baby. Folic acid, for example, is essential for preventing neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Additionally, iron supplements may be recommended to prevent anaemia, while calcium is crucial for the formation of the baby’s bones and teeth.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for foetal brain development. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for individual needs. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Mindful lifestyle changes and things to avoid: Making lifestyle changes and avoiding certain substances during pregnancy is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning agents and pesticides, which can potentially harm the developing fetus.
It’s also recommended to steer clear of excessive caffeine intake, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight.
Also, completely avoid alcohol and tobacco and stay away from passive smoking. Furthermore, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding rotational shifts can help reduce stress and promote better overall health during pregnancy. By prioritising these lifestyle changes and avoiding potential risks, expectant mothers can create a safer environment for themselves and their babies.
Dr Neha Tripathi, Fertility Expert, Nova IVF Fertility, Indirapuram, shared how seeking medical assistance to boost their fertility journey face immense pressures and quite often in a dilemma regarding their lifestyle choices.Below are a few precautionary measures for couples undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF:
Watch out for signs: Keep an eye out for signs during IVF pregnancies, as they can indicate potential issues. While implantation bleeding around 6-8 weeks is typical, bleeding accompanied by cramps is a cause of concern. It’s crucial to promptly consult your doctor and undergo a scan if faced with such a scenario. Experiencing pain or a burning sensation while urinating is another indicator to seek medical assistance and gain clarity about your current health condition
Incorporating moderate exercise: Exercise is crucial for prospective parents, playing a pivotal role in fertility enhancement. Amidst our predominantly sedentary lifestyle, integrating a brisk 30-minute daily walk can significantly boost fertility rates. However, it’s essential to be mindful that excessive workouts and intense muscle-building routines may impact your fertility health adversely.
Inculcating hygiene practices: Hygiene maintenance is paramount for maintaining reproductive health. Promoting good personal hygiene practices, including hand wash after restroom use, genital area hygiene, and wearing clean, breathable panties, should be ingrained in individuals early on to avoid diseases and infections.
Maintaining healthy BMI: Attaining and maintaining a healthy BMI is vital for conception readiness. The Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a gauge to determine if one’s weight aligns with a healthy range for fertility. Being overweight or obese can adversely impact egg and sperm quality, potentially leading to fertility challenges.
Reducing daily stressors: Reducing stress is vital as it can lead to lower sperm and egg counts. Engaging in practices like meditation, yoga, pursuing hobbies, and seeking professional guidance can assist individuals in achieving a healthy balance between personal and professional life, promoting optimal mental well-being. Additionally, ensuring sufficient sleep is crucial for maintaining good fertility health.
Embracing precautionary measures during IVF treatments is paramount for couples embarking on this journey. By staying vigilant for warning signs, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and prioritising mental well-being, couples can pave the way for a smoother and more successful IVF experience.
hese proactive steps not only enhance the chances of conception but also promote overall physical and emotional well-being, fostering a positive and hopeful journey towards building a family. Through diligence and care, couples can navigate the challenges of IVF with confidence, knowing that they have taken every possible measure to optimise their chances of success.
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