Pre-conception health 101

Pre-conception health is taking care of yourself before you plan a pregnancy. But many times a pregnancy isn't planned right? In that case, work on your health before you get sexually active/married.

This applies to both men and women, but let's get to the males in a little bit.

You woman, are the very beginning of nutrition for your child from the very moment your egg gets fertilized. By improving your own nutrition and fitness, you are significantly cutting risks of a high risk pregnancy, pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, developmental abnormalities and post pregnancy complications.

It doesn't even have to be any of the serious conditions mentioned above, something as simple as your child falling sick very often, allergies, etc., can be a result of your poor nutrition because what you eat also affects the health of your eggs!

So how do we go about this?

In an ideal case, you need to prepare yourself atleast 3-6 months before conception by reforming your lifestyle habits.

In case of pre-diabetics/obesity, you need at least 6-12 months of consistent effort to get back to good health, metabolism and hormone function.

You will need to -

• consult a doctor and start off on pre-natal vitamins (this is very crucial. Read my previous post to know why!)
• eat a well balanced diet
• do weight management (weightloss/gain)
• do strength building (you need insane strength to push a baby out!)
• do not stay around 2nd hand smoke at all
• work on mental health

Forget your biological clock for a moment, if you work on all of the above your improved health will lead to faster conception and smooth pregnancy!

Now coming to men.

• you are equally responsible for your baby's health because half of its genetic material comes from you
• healthy sperms lead to faster conception and healthy baby

So how can you help?

• quit alcohol/smoking when you're trying for a child. If you cannot quit, atleast refrain from smoking around your partner
• exercise regularly for better general health
• healthy diet (good nutrition = healthy sperm)
• work on your stress levels with mindfulness

If you and your partner consciously put effort into your health, there are excellent chances of your baby being healthy for the next few decades (oh and also good looking if I might add)

How healthy you are on the inside will literally determine what genes you pass on to the child, and how healthy it is post birth.

Any couples planning a baby in the near future? Take this seriously.

You can make all the financial property you want for the benefit of your child but if you fail to give it good health and immunity, what's the point?

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