If you’re looking to have a new baby, there’s no such thing as ‘too early’ to start preparing—mentally, physically, emotionally, financially—the list goes on! Whether it’s been many years since your last child’s birth, or you’re trying to keep your kids’ ages close, here are some tips to prepare for your next pregnancy.
1. Start Taking Vitamins
If you’re trying to prepare for your next pregnancy, one of the most important things you can do health-wise is to start a new supplement regimen, including taking a multivitamin.
Pregnancy is taxing on your body and your nutritional stores, so giving yourself a boost is not only a great idea; it’s incredibly important! Prenatal vitamins are formulated to give your body exactly what it needs during this time. If you can start a prenatal right away, it will help you to avoid a nutritional deficiency during your early pregnancy.
Please note: it’s common for you to experience some nausea from your vitamins, especially when you are pregnant, so try and be mindful of this and take vitamins on a full stomach. Or, just be mindful of ingredients and how different brands make your body feel.
Another supplement to take is folic acid—at least 400 micrograms of it a day! Most vitamins (if they are suited for pregnant women) will contain this amount, so keep this in mind. Also check the ingredients of products you’re interested in, too, to ensure that you’re not taking too much of a certain vitamin/supplement, either.
2. Start Eating Well
You can get a lot of the minerals and vitamins that you may need from eating a well-balanced diet. Enjoy whole, nutritional foods over anything that’s processed.
If your budget allows, try and incorporate more organic foods and fruits/vegetables where you can. If you can do this while limiting your exposure to toxins, too, then this will help you quite a lot.
3. Start A Regular Exercise Routine
Moving your body is a great thing to do, as it allows you to build your strength up for your pregnancy. Try and work out around four or five times a week (anything from light weightlifting to walking) as this is a very good way for you to build stamina and strength.
However, you don’t want to push yourself too much! Sometimes light walking is all you need, so start with around 15 minutes of this a day and then work your way up to longer durations or by adding resistance over time (uphill walking/biking, etc.)
4. Visit Your Doctor & Dentist
Keeping up with your physical health is often the best way for you to catch any issues, especially before they arise. When you are getting ready for pregnancy, they are especially important as well!
Your doctor will examine you and they may even check your bloodwork and your cholesterol levels. At this point, you can bring up any other health concerns that you might have, too.
Going to the dentist during pregnancy is also helpful because your hormones may be impacting your teeth and mouth health. It’s good to notice these problems early, and take preventative measures as soon as possible!
5. Practice Mindfulness & Stress-Relieving Activities
Establishing a good outlet for stress is super important, especially before giving birth. Whether you’re thinking about activities (stretching, yoga, breathing techniques, positive manifestations, etc.) to help with the birthing process or strategies to help you relax afterwards and in postpartum, being intentional about stress-relief is really important.
It’s also essential to find/create a safe social circle that you can confide in Whether family, friends, doctors, doulas, or even other expecting mamas, having an outlet to process things is so valuable.
6. Get Prepared For Your Baby’s Arrival
This may sound silly, but you’ll want to actively prepare for your baby’s arrival (of course)! Look for a postpartum essentials checklist online and see what suggestions are on it (and why). You can use this checklist to help yourself but also guide loved ones in how they can support you, too!
Featured Image Credit: Andre Furtado