There are many women who become pregnant without planning it because they have had unprotected sex and it just so happens that, without being controlled, they were on their fertile days and the pregnancy has occurred. But there are also many other women who decide together with their partners that they want to have a baby and they start planning the pregnancy as soon as they think about it.
Although you should not obsess over pregnancy, yes It is appropriate to keep some things in mind so that conception can be carried out in a healthy and balanced way. It is necessary that both partners agree on the idea of ​​expanding the family, and in addition, it will be necessary to look for moments of relaxation and rest diaries. But don't miss some of the steps every couple should follow to ensure a successful pregnancy. Also check out resources for keep in mind before having a baby.
Have a suitable weight
If you are overweight it is necessary that you begin to control your eating habits in order to lose the excess weight. An overweight woman is more likely to become diabetic or hypertensive during pregnancy, so losing weight before getting pregnant is a priority that all women who want to conceive should take into account.
Pregnancy is a strain on the body, and if a woman is worried about obesity, she may feel very ill. For this reason, it is necessary to have a ideal weight, and the best part is that there are no secrets: eat a healthy and balanced diet and make time to do some kind of exercise.
Low weight can also affect ovulation and increase the risk of low birth weight babies. Maintaining a BMI within a healthy range promotes more regular cycles and improves fertility.
How to achieve a healthy weight
- Balanced diet with enough protein, fiber, healthy fats (omega-3) and whole grain carbohydrates.
- moderate physical activity at least 150 minutes per week (walking, swimming, stationary bike, yoga), avoiding strenuous exercise if you have under weight because it can alter ovulation.
- professional support If necessary, a dietitian-nutritionist can help you adjust calories and micronutrients.
- In the couple, the weight of man and their lifestyle also influence semen quality.
Quit bad habits
The bad habits that are acquired during life must be put aside when thinking about having a baby, they are habits that are not healthy and that in addition to harm your health You could be hurting your baby's too.
Give up smoking
Tobacco is the enemy of fertility since decreases ovarian functionOnce a woman is pregnant, toxic substances cross the placenta and increase the chances of premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking should be stopped before trying to conceive. to reduce the likelihood of a risk pregnancySmoking isn't healthy for anyone. Also avoid secondhand and thirdhand smoke (toxins that remain on clothing, hair, and surfaces).
Stop drinking alcohol
Some people drink socially, others like to have a glass of wine with their meal… But as soon as you discover you're pregnant, you should stop drinking alcohol. The safest thing to do if you're trying for a baby is avoid alcohol from preconceptionEven small amounts can affect embryonic development.
Reduce caffeine
Moderate caffeine consumption: Large amounts could make conception difficult and increase the risk of miscarriage. A practical guideline is not to exceed the 200mg/day (approx. a cup of filter coffee), and take into account tea, cola and energy drinks.
Avoid drugs and check your medications
The over-the-counter medications or supplements Unnecessary medications may not be safe for conceiving. Review everything you're taking with your doctor; if they're not essential, it's best to avoid them. Don't use illegal drugs: they compromise fertility and fetal health.
Go to the doctor to tell him you want to get pregnant
If you and your partner have already decided that you want to get pregnant, then the ideal is for the woman to go to the doctor for tests and to know that everything is healthy. The doctor will guide you to tell you what you should know about the vaccines you should get or the precautions you should take to protect yourself from infections, blood glucose, to rule out malformations in the reproductive organs, to rule out diseases, etc., and about the Basic health insurance coverage during pregnancy.
What the preconception visit includes
- Clinic history personal and family (diabetes, hypertension, coagulation problems, genetic disorders).
- Condition control chronic (diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, epilepsy) and adjustment of treatments compatible with pregnancy.
- Vaccination and serological tests (rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis B, etc.). If you don't have immunity, your doctor may recommend getting vaccinated and waiting the indicated amount of time before conceiving.
- Screening for infections (STD, urinary tract infection if there are symptoms or risk factors) and prevention recommendations.
- Genetic counseling if applicable (depending on the origin, background or wishes of the couple).
- Revision of oral health, sleep habits, mental health, and occupational or environmental risks.
Plan to stop contraceptives
- IUD: schedule your withdrawal.
- Pill or ring/patch: you can try to conceive after stopping them; many people prefer to wait for a natural first cycle to better date the pregnancy.
- Injectable: the return of menstruation may take several months; in some cases, up to about a year.
Start taking folic acid
It is a good idea for a woman who wants to conceive to start taking folic acidIt's a good idea because it's very good for reducing neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
The general recommendation is 400 mcg daily of folic acid before pregnancy and in the first trimester. In high-risk cases (previous history of neural tube defects, certain antiepileptics), the professional may prescribe higher doses. A prenatal multivitamin also provides iodine, iron and vitamin D, useful in the periconceptional stage. In men, nutrients such as zinc and antioxidants can support semen quality.
Calculate your fertile days
If you've decided to get pregnant, it's very important that you never use any contraceptive method, such as birth control pills, in your life. After taking this into account, you should calculate your fertile days Because this way you'll know which days you're most likely to get pregnant. Your fertile days are the time of your menstrual cycle when it's most likely that the egg will be reached by the sperm and therefore that pregnancy will occur. When ovulation occurs, the egg can be fertilized and conceive a new baby. You can also consult tools such as the Chinese conception table to guide you.
Ovulation always occurs in the middle of the cycle, that is, around the 14th of a normal 28-day cycle. Therefore, the ideal time to have sex is 3 days before or 3 days after the expected date of ovulation.
Practical methods to detect ovulation
- cervical mucus: before ovulation it becomes more transparent, elastic and slippery.
- Basal temperature: It rises slightly after ovulation. Measure it every morning before getting up and record trends.
- Ovulation kits (urine): detect the LH peak about 24 hours before releasing the egg.
- Cycle log: Note the start and end of your period to estimate your fertile window if your cycles are not 28 days long.
Frequency of intercourse and lubricants
- Daily or alternate-day sex during the fertile window maximizes options. Sperm can live 3 to 5 days in the female tract; coordinates 3-4 days before and up to 1 day after ovulation.
- Evita douching and use lubricants suitable for fertility (spermicide-free) if you need them.
Pay attention to your life
If you want to get pregnant and have already started trying, you don't need to change your diet at all, but it is advisable You should be careful about what you eat and how you eat it. You should make sure that the meat is well cooked, and that the fruits, vegetables, and herbs are well washed (to avoid toxoplasmosis). But otherwise, you don't have to change anything about your usual diet unless you want to lose a few pounds to avoid becoming overweight. If you have doubts about your diet Don't hesitate to consult your doctor for help with a diet plan so you can better organize your meals and daily menu.
Food safety and toxoplasma
- Evita raw or undercooked meats and raw eggs; do not drink dairy products or juices unpasteurized.
- Wash fruits and vegetables very well; separate raw and cooked ones to avoid contamination.
- If you have not had toxoplasmosis, avoid handling cat litterIf this is not possible, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Moderate consumption of fish with high mercury content and prioritize safe options.
Environment and work
- Minimize exposure to lead, pesticides and solvents; talk to your doctor if your job involves these risks.
- Evita unnecessary radiation (e.g., X-rays) in the preconception stage unless medically indicated.
Take care of your partner's fertility too
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs improves sperm concentration and mobility and helps to increase fertility.
- Moderate the excessive heat (saunas, jacuzzis) and wearing underwear that is not too tight can help.
Manage stress and anxiety
In addition to the health and physical aspects, it is also very important to take into account the emotional health. Emotional health is just as important to take care of as your physical health, because your physical health will largely depend on how you feel emotionally. It's very important to control anxiety and stress, and make sure your relationship with your partner is healthy. romantic and stable So that you can both enjoy this beautiful process, and don't feel like trying for a baby is stressful. If you need to, consult resources about fears in the first pregnancy.
If at any time you feel that the search for the baby stresses you or makes you feel bad because it does not come quickly, stop thinking that you are looking for it And when it comes, simply have your arms open wide. If, on the other hand, you obsess over getting pregnant, the very stress and anxiety these thoughts cause can make pregnancy take longer.
Sexual relations for the purpose of conceiving a child should be something special, something beautiful… a moment of union between two people who enjoy sex. It's not appropriate to have sex out of obligation just to have a baby because sex could lose its essential meaning: uniting two people and enjoying pleasure. It requires that there be complicity and a lot of love in the romantic relationship.
When to consult the doctor
- It tienes under 35 years and pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, request an evaluation.
- It tienes 35 years the poor, consult after 6 months; sooner if there are irregular cycles, pelvic pain, previous STIs or risk factors (also consult information on being pregnant after 40).
- La infertility affects both; it may be helpful to consult with a gynecologist, urologist, or fertility specialist.
- If you suffer violence In a relationship, ask for help; your safety is a priority at any stage.
If you need extra support
Support groups, psychological therapy and Relaxation (breathing, mindfulness) can help you manage expectations and sustain motivation.
Family planning and options if pregnancy is delayed
Family planning encompasses practices that help decide the best time to have children and space pregnancies. Among its benefits are the reduction of risks for mother and baby, the decrease in unplanned pregnancies and empowerment to make informed decisions. In addition to contraceptive methods, when there is difficulty conceiving, reproductive medicine offers alternatives and it is important to know How long should you wait to get pregnant again?.
- Artificial insemination: deposits prepared sperm into the uterus during ovulation.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): fertilization in the laboratory and transfer of embryos to the uterus.
- Egg Donation: IVF with donor eggs when it is not feasible to use your own eggs.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): Analyzes embryos obtained by IVF to avoid specific mutations or diseases.
- Fertility Preservation: freezing eggs or sperm if you want to postpone motherhood/fatherhood.
Now more than ever, it is important to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and drink enough water, as well as reduce caffeineAvoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. And before quitting or starting any medication, consult with your doctor.
Before you conceive, talk to your healthcare provider about medication and supplements that you take, and about genetic testing if there is a history of it. Keep track of your cycles and relationships to better estimate your fertile window and calculate gestational age when pregnancy arrives.
Taking the step of planning a pregnancy also means taking care of the couple's well-being, adjusting habits, and relying on science. With a complete preconception visit, adequate vitamins, healthy habits, and good stress management, the chances of having a healthy pregnancy increase and the process is experienced with more calm and confidence.