What to Know When Planning to Get Pregnant

Choosing to become a mother is one of the most life-changing decisions a woman will ever make. Understanding the many facets of pregnancy before you are actually pregnant is important for many reasons. Because conception occurs before many women realize they are pregnant, what to know when planning to get pregnant will help you make wise decisions that will lead to the best outcome for both mother and baby.

Preconception Physical

• Many doctors recommend that a woman have a full physical before she becomes pregnant in order to determine whether or not her overall health and lifestyle are conducive to a healthy pregnancy. This visit usually occurs up to a year before becoming pregnant and will allow you to ask your doctor questions regarding conception, pregnancy and beyond. You will most likely be asked about your and your partner's family medical history, diet, mental health and other questions that lead to an overall wellness assessment. It should also be noted that the overall health of her partner can determine the likelihood of conceiving and birthing a healthy baby.

Diet and Exercise

• Women who are in good physical health often have an easier time conceiving, carrying and delivering a healthy baby. In order to increase your likelihood of having a healthy pregnancy, it is important that you eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats to prepare your body to nurture a growing baby.

  Many doctors also recommend that women begin taking prenatal vitamins before they are pregnant to ensure that they have the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to the formation of a healthy fetus.

  Exercise is also important when planning to become pregnant. Women who are within a healthy weight range for their age and height have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and other issues that could be harmful to both mother and baby. Being in good physical shape usually makes pregnancy more comfortable overall and can help a woman progress through labor more quickly.

  Begin an exercise regimen before becoming pregnant and you can continue to exercise throughout your pregnancy, although you might need to modify this as your belly grow.s However, all exercise plans should be discussed with your doctor before they are undertaken to ensure your safety and the safety of your baby.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Many women find that they need to make lifestyle changes before conception in addition to changes in diet and exercise. These include the decision to refrain from using tobacco products, drinking alcohol and consuming illegal drugs while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy. Conception occurs two weeks after a menstrual period. Most women do not realize they are pregnant until their next period is missed, which can be several weeks later. Due to the fact that a baby's vital organs begin to develop immediately after conception, use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can do great damage to the developing child. Thus, when planning to get pregnant, it is best to stop all activities that could cause harm to the fetus.