Planning the Stages of your Pregnancy

Trying for a baby can be a very exciting time in your life. Things could be about to change forever! But it can also be an anxious time too. You may have many worries, questions and queries. Just a few of those may be "When can I conceive?", "Will I be able to get pregnant?", " How long will it take to get pregnant?", "What are the early pregnancy symptoms?" and "How do I calculate my pregnancy by weeks?"

So to help you, here are 10 Top Tips for preparing to get pregnant:-

1) Firstly, discuss it fully with your partner and think carefully about your decision. You need to know how you both feel about raising children as it will be a big change to your lives and a big responsibility.

2) This may sound boring but sort out your finances. This needs to be discussed so you know how you will cope. Like it or not children are expensive and you could still be paying for them when they are 18!

3) You need to start thinking about healthy eating before you look to conceive, so if necessary improve your diet. For good hydration drink plenty of water. You need 3 square meals a day with your 5 a day of fruit and vegetables.

4) Look at how much you weigh. Being both overweight and underweight can have significant effects on your chances of conceiving. Speak to your doctor about this and they can give you a check up and some advice.

5) Start exercising. You getting in good shape now will really help your body to cope with nine months of pregnancy. You need to build stamina, develop strength and flexibility. Babies can be heavy to carry! If you are not sure what to do, speak to your doctor who can advise you on a new exercise regime.

6) Take vitamin supplements. If you are not sure what to take then you can take a good all round multivitamin tablet. Top of this list is folic acid which is a B vitamin that helps to prevent neural tube defects in developing babies. Again speak to your doctor or midwife for advice. Remember these should not be taken instead of a healthy diet full of the right vitamins and minerals.

7) Assess your lifestyle. If necessary you need to stop smoking, drinking and taking drugs. These are obviously harmful to you and your unborn baby. Plus with these there is an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking especially increases the risks of cot death. Again your doctor is there to advise and help you to give up. Also check if there are any hazardous environments that you should now be avoiding, especially at work.

8) Stop using contraception. Sounds obvious, but when giving up methods like the pill you need to allow enough time for your body to adjust.

9) Try regularly! Again this sounds another obvious tip but this can really affect you, your partner and your chances. There is no need to try every day as unless you are used to it, it can really tire you both out! Keep things relaxed and interesting. You do not want to get stressed about it. It can have a very negative affect on your relationship. Equally, trying just occasionally will reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Try for around 3 times a week - it's good practice!

10) Relax and think positive. Keep thinking ahead to your new baby and your new family. A good positive outlook can really affect your physical state. Your body will react well to happy, positive thoughts just as your body can show the effects of stress and negativity. Give yourself the best possible chance.

Do all these things and you should find yourself well on your way to discovering the little blue line on the pregnancy test!

Good luck!

If you or anyone you know are trying to get pregnant or have recently become pregnant, then
Pregnancy in Stages is a fantastic resource full of tips, advice and information for the soon-to-be new mum. Plus, there is some especially important information for those of you who are having trouble conceiving for various reasons. You can find out how you can conceive quickly and easily there too.