Preparation before Pregnancy
Release time : 06/09/2025 09:30:01
To have a healthy and adorable baby, the preparation before pregnancy is one of the most concerned issues for future parents. What should we do after deciding to get pregnant? What can we eat to help with pregnancy? And what are the key issues to pay attention to? These are all crucial for having a healthy baby.
Preparations for Pregnancy: When it is decided to prepare for a healthier family, prior to rushing to create a good environment for the baby's birth, remember to make thorough preparations for pregnancy. After all, these pre-pregnancy preparations are crucial for nurturing healthy babies.
1. Even with a balanced diet, it is difficult to ensure that all essential nutrients are obtained from food sources.
The phenomenon of folic acid deficiency in Chinese women of childbearing age is universal, which should be fully concerned.
You can buy folic acid supplements (or folic acid tablets) at a pharmacy, or you can take multivitamins specifically for pregnancy.
But be careful. If it's a multivitamin, make sure you don't exceed the daily allowance for Vitamin A (2,565 IU RAE) of 0.77 mg unless it is in beta-carotene form because too much vitamin A can cause birth defects in infants.
If you are unsure of which one to choose, it is important to consult a doctor first.
According to one's own physical condition, the intake of certain micronutrients should be increased: calcium, iron, vitamin A, etc. Deficiency in these micronutrients not only affects women's health but also directly affects the development and growth of the fetus. Therefore, women planning to become pregnant should pay special attention to the supply of these micronutrients.
You may also seek medical advice to diagnose your nutritional status and make targeted adjustments to your diet, focusing on increasing the intake of nutrients that are typically lacking in your body.
2. Farewell to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. If you smoke or use drugs, please stop right away.
Numerous studies have shown that smoking and drug use can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
In addition, studies have shown that smoking may affect reproductive capacity and sperm count in men.
In fact, even second-hand smoke can affect your chances of conceiving.
Experts recommend that mothers-to-be avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to reduce your alcohol consumption before becoming pregnant, especially in the last two weeks of your menstrual cycle, to prevent you from getting pregnant at this time.
3. Reject Caffeine: Research shows that consuming too much caffeine can hinder iron absorption and also increase the risk of stillbirth.
Therefore, it is best to avoid coffee, tea, and cola drinks containing caffeine.
However, when quitting the habit, proceed gradually, and do not abruptly cease altogether to avoid inducing headaches.
If you are addicted, limit yourself to one cup per day as this is the safe limit agreed upon by most experts.
4. Control your weight. If you are within normal range, you will have a higher chance of getting pregnant.
Research shows that women with a BMI below 20 or above 30 are relatively less likely to conceive.
So, it is best to have your BMI between 20-30 before planning pregnancy.
Go and measure your body mass index now.
5. Choosing healthy food from now on can store beneficial nutrients for the future baby's nurturing environment
Eat as many fruits and vegetables, plenty of grains, and calcium rich foods such as milk and yogurt as possible every day
But if you are a big fan of fish, be aware that mercury levels in fatty species like sharks, marlin and tuna tend to be much higher than those in leaner types of fish. Mercury is usually present in the form of methylmercury, which can be harmful to fetal brain development.
So, you should not eat these kinds of fish more than twice a week.
6. Develop and adhere to a fitness program. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a healthy fitness program includes: 1) 3-5 days per week, 20-60 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling.
2. Strengthening training with 2-3 days per week, such as strength training using equipment.
3. Perform flexibility exercises 2-3 times a week, such as daily stretching and yoga.
But if you don't usually enjoy exercising, you should start your fitness plan step by step.
Start with some light activities like taking a 10-20 minute walk every day or adding more physical activity into everyday life, such as using the stairs instead of taking an elevator or walking one or two stops before getting off.
7. "Dental appointment" When you prepare for your future baby, don't forget about your oral health.
More and more evidence shows that periodontal disease (infection of the gingival and alveolar bone tissues) may cause prematurity and low birth weight.
In fact, a large study found that pregnant women with gum disease have a sevenfold increased risk of preterm birth.
Another study showed that gum disease increases the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
The worse thing is that changes in hormones during pregnancy can easily trigger "gum disease during pregnancy."
After the level of progesterone and estrogen rises, it may lead to the gums reacting differently to bacteria in the plaque, causing swelling, bleeding, and pain.
If you take care of your teeth before pregnancy, you can effectively reduce the risk of tooth problems during pregnancy.
Therefore, you should visit the dentist for a thorough examination and necessary treatment in the first six months of your pregnancy. Have a dental check-up, and receive oral health guidance from your dentist to ensure that your teeth are healthy during pregnancy, so as to prevent future problems.
8. When examining family health history, you and your husband can make calls to each parent and other relatives to learn about any conditions in the family that may be associated with inherited or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, intellectual disability, congenital birth defects, etc.
When you go for prenatal check-up, doctors will ask about this question in order to decide whether you need to have genetic test.
9. Preconception check-ups: In the preconception phase, it is essential to undergo a preconception check-up. This is the first step in determining whether one should attempt pregnancy and is crucial for ensuring the health of the future baby.
Prenatal examinations are generally recommended to start at least three to six months before pregnancy, including both partners.
The optimal time for the female partner to undergo prenatal examinations is ideally 3-7 days after the onset of menstrual flow, and it is advisable not to have sexual intercourse before the examination.
Once pre-pregnancy examinations reveal other problems, there is still time for intervention and treatment.
Therefore, it is advisable to undergo pre-pregnancy examinations at least three months in advance and both partners should be examined simultaneously.
Pre-pregnancy screening helps you discover abnormalities, treat diseases in time and prevent potential problems before pregnancy. It also prepares your body and mind for optimal condition, guides you to plan pregnancy under doctor's guidance to reduce birth defects of babies and make safe journey through pregnancy and childbirth.
If you haven't undergone pre-marital examinations, the importance of prenatal examinations becomes even more critical.
10. Understanding maternity insurance and maternity expenses, various regions have different maternity insurance policies. Taking Beijing as an example, the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau stipulates that from July 1, 2005, the maternity insurance policy was officially implemented by the social security center. Married individuals who hold a "Beijing Residence Permit" can enjoy the benefits of the maternity insurance in Beijing.
The payment standard for maternity insurance medical expenses is: the limit of prenatal examination fees before 12 weeks of pregnancy is 520 yuan.
The fee limit for prenatal examinations before the 1st to 27th weeks of pregnancy is 850 yuan.
The fee for prenatal examinations up to and including childbirth is capped at 1400 yuan.
The standard medical fees for natural childbirth are 1900 yuan (at a tertiary hospital), and the standard medical fees for caesarean section are 3800 yuan (at a tertiary hospital).
In addition, if you feel that insurance is necessary during pregnancy, then the period before conception is the optimal time to invest in insurance.
Because the risk probability of pregnant women is much higher than that of normal people, insurance companies have strict requirements for pregnant women to insure.
Generally, insurance companies do not accept applications after 28 weeks of pregnancy, requiring that they be processed only after eight weeks postpartum.
However, if you are preparing to conceive, you can opt for a health insurance policy that covers pregnancy-related diseases, ensuring coverage for risks during the childbearing period.
However, it is important to note that these types of insurance generally come with a waiting period of 90 to 180 days, or even longer, during which time any claims made by the insured will not be covered by the insurance company.
Psychologists have pointed out that women's fertility is half as good when they are under emotional pressure as it is when they are in a normal state.
If you or your family has a history of depression, or you feel like you're showing signs of depression such as losing interest in things you used to enjoy, lack of appetite, poor sleep etc., you can seek advice from a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
If you need to take medication, your doctor will help you choose an antidepressant that is safe for use both before and during pregnancy.
You can also try other stress-relief methods such as yoga and meditation, which are also shown to be beneficial for improving mood.
Pre-pregnancy checkups are crucial for preparing for a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. This is because it's important to ensure that our physical condition is conducive to conception, as well as to be aware of what needs to be monitored during pregnancy.
Therefore, in order to ensure a healthy baby for us in the future, we must make all necessary preparations and undergo comprehensive prenatal screening.
Experts point out that pre-pregnancy examination should be determined according to one's own circumstances and it is best to consult a relevant expert before getting pregnant.
If there are no obvious diseases, some routine examinations should be conducted. Firstly, an ultrasound should be done to check the uterus and adnexa for any problems. For men, a semen analysis should be performed to see if it is qualified. This is especially common among men with spermatozoa issues.
Of course, eugenics-related four tests are indispensable.
If there is a possibility of disease, one should conduct thorough examinations.
Individuals with symptoms such as adnexitis, dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularity, and obesity should pay special attention.
For couples who have had contact with patients with infectious diseases, it is necessary to conduct relevant examinations, such as hepatitis immune system indicators, to exclude the possibility of infection.
If there has been a prior infection of the reproductive system, it should be examined for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Anti-chlamydial antibodies, and Mycoplasma hominis.
If there is a situation of intercourse during menstruation, it is necessary to check anti-sperm antibodies... The content of the examination should be determined according to one's own health condition to prevent unexpected incidents after pregnancy.
Generally speaking, it is best to conduct the test in the morning on an empty stomach.
Preconception screening includes the following tests: 1. Complete blood count (blood type): Early detection of hematological diseases such as anemia can be critical. If a mother is anemic, complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum infection can occur, which can affect the baby. The baby may suffer from issues like increased susceptibility to infections, reduced immunity, and delayed growth and development.
2. Urine routine: aids in the early diagnosis of renal diseases.
The 10-month pregnancy period is a tremendous test for the mother's kidney system. The increased metabolism during this period can put additional strain on the kidneys.
A kidney disease is very serious.
3. Fecal routine examination: Diagnosis of digestive system diseases and parasitic infections, such as Toxoplasma gondii infection. If not detected early, it can cause serious consequences such as miscarriage and fetal malformation.
4. Liver function (two halves): Diagnosis of various types of hepatitis and liver injury.
If the mother is a patient with viral hepatitis and is not detected in a timely manner, pregnancy can cause very serious consequences, such as premature birth or even neonatal death.
Hepatitis viruses can also be transmitted vertically to children.
5. Chest X-ray: diagnosis of tuberculosis and other lung diseases.
A woman with tuberculosis who becomes pregnant may experience restrictions on the use of anti-tuberculosis drugs, which can affect treatment.
Moreover, active tuberculosis often exacerbates the condition due to postpartum fatigue and poses a risk of transmitting the infection to the child.
6. Gynecological Endocrine Screening: Diagnosis of menstrual disorders and ovarian diseases, such as ovarian tumors, even if benign, often cause complications during pregnancy due to the enlargement of the uterus. This can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
7. Vaginal Smear: Screen for trichomonas, fungi, and bacteria infections. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, it is best to thoroughly treat before trying to conceive.
Otherwise, it may cause risks such as miscarriage, premature birth, and premature rupture of membranes.
8. Chromosomal Testing: Early detection of genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome and Turner's syndrome, infertility.
9. Comprehensive Physical Examination: Comprehensive examination and assessment of reproductive capacity.
However, at the same time, we must not underestimate the results of prenatal examinations. For any issues identified, we must actively seek treatment and avoid having a child with a condition.
Just because a couple has been checked out, there's no need to take things lightly.
There are some men, who have been found to have low sperm quality, often do not pay attention to it and result in the problem of fertilization eggs.
Some women also experience a blockage in their fallopian tubes, often with a sense of desperation and hoping for the best, which can lead to ectopic pregnancies.
Indeed, failing to pay attention to one's health before becoming pregnant and cultivating unhealthy habits is also very detrimental to the birth of a healthy child.
In a word, pregnancy is a matter of great importance, and it should be given sufficient attention. Before pregnancy, one should consult a doctor for advice so that both the family and society will benefit in the long run.
Effective Pregnancy Preparation: Pregnancy is not solely dependent on luck. Following these methods outlined below can significantly enhance your chances of conceiving. Let's explore them together!
1. Calculate the ovulation day, which is 14 days before the period starts. If your menstrual cycle length is 24-30 days, then your ovulation period would be approximately between day 10 and day 16.
Each egg can only survive 12-24 hours, so the time after ovulation is too late, and it can not meet the purpose of conception.
Sperm can survive for up to 72 hours, and having sex every 3 days before ovulation is easier to conceive.
Meanwhile, machines can also be used to more accurately and quickly detect whether there is an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH peak) in urine, which often occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation.
In the 3 to 6 hours after the LH peak, sexual intercourse is most likely to lead to conception.
2. Targeted supplementation of nutrients beneficial for pregnancy, male zinc deficiency can lead to low testosterone secretion.
Reduce sperm count, so men should eat more foods rich in zinc, such as meat, chicken, seafood and all cereals, calcium and vitamin D can also help to enhance male fertility, so please drink more milk! For women, it is recommended to frequently drink green tea.
Research has shown that women who drink half a cup of green tea every day have a 7-fold increased chance of getting pregnant.
3. Appropriate positioning can help with conception. Couples should not only engage in sexual activity, but also pay attention to the appropriate positioning.
Research has shown that the male upper female lower position can allow sperm to penetrate deeper into the uterus
Similarly, if a woman experiences orgasm, frequent contractions can also carry sperm into the uterus.
Never use artificial lubricants, glycerin, or even saliva, as it may kill sperm
5. Step by step, seek help. Pregnancy is not something that can be achieved overnight, and sometimes it is necessary to seek help from the outside world.
Experts suggest that if the couple is fully prepared in all aspects and has not yet conceived after 3-6 months, they should undergo preliminary testing. Based on your medical history, age, and personality, seek some medical assistance.
Preparing for pregnancy can involve consuming a variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Properly increasing the consumption of nutrients during this period is crucial for enhancing the chances of successful conception, as it directly impacts the health of the baby in the future. So how can we supplement the necessary nutrients through diet, thereby boosting our "fertility" index? 1. A diverse diet is essential to ensure adequate nutrition. Different foods contain different nutrients and vary in their content.
Some contain these, some contain those.
Some nutrients are more abundant than others.
Therefore, it is important to eat a variety of foods and avoid overly restrictive diets or food restrictions. It is best to consume a diverse range of foods, especially those from the five grains and cereals.
2. Pay attention to storing calcium and iron in the body during pregnancy; it is easy to suffer from iron deficiency and calcium deficiencies later on. Supplementing after conception is too late, especially for women who are already nutritionally deficient.
Therefore, before pregnancy, it is advisable to consume a variety of foods rich in iron and calcium, such as fish, milk, cheese, seaweed, beef, pork, eggs, legumes, and green and yellow vegetables. This will ensure that the body has sufficient stores of these essential nutrients, thereby preventing deficiencies in iron and calcium during pregnancy.
3. Nutrition should return to nature. Before and after pregnancy, it is important to choose fresh, uncontaminated vegetables, fruits, and wild edibles. Particularly, more wild edibles and wild edible fungi can be served at the table.
Avoid consuming foods containing additives, colorants, and preservatives to generate high-quality sperm and eggs for the formation of healthy embryos.
4. Reasonably use contraceptive drugs, pay attention to reasonably use contraceptive drugs before preparing to conceive for three months, because these contraceptive drugs may cause the deficiency of water-soluble vitamins such as B vitamins and trace elements like zinc and iron.
5. Enhance the vitality of the egg. Many instances of couples failing to conceive due to insufficient sperm or egg vigor can be attributed to this issue. Consuming lean meats, eggs, fish and shrimp, liver, legumes, soy products, seafood, fresh vegetables, and seasonal fruits can improve certain deficiencies in sperm and egg cells and increase the chances of conception.
We must pay attention to hydration in daily life. With sufficient water intake, it can help eliminate various metabolic toxins from the body, such as heavy metals, enhance immune function and disease resistance, especially in summer. This can provide a good internal environment for the growth and development of future babies.
But beware, drink boiled water that has naturally cooled down. This type of water has unique bioactivity. Drink less artificially made drinks and juices with caffeine, colorants, and flavorings.
What should we pay attention to in preparing for pregnancy? First, regarding dietary considerations.
Pre-pregnancy is a time for optimal nutrition. Supplementing with food can be an effective and healthy way to ensure you get all the nutrients you need. However, there are certain foods that should be avoided during this period. It's important to be more mindful of what we eat, as it could potentially harm your baby's health.
1. In terms of diet, some people prefer a light and bland diet while others tend to eat more flavorful food.
Experts remind expectant mothers to pay attention to eating less spicy food during the pre-pregnancy period. Such foods can cause digestive disorders in normal people, such as stomach discomfort, indigestion, constipation, and even hemorrhoids.
After pregnancy, the fetus grows day by day, which already affects the pregnant woman's normal digestive function and defecation. If she continues to eat spicy food at this time, it will seriously affect the pregnant woman's supply of nutrients for the fetus, and even increase the difficulty of childbirth.
Therefore, during the last three months of pregnancy, both the mother and father should stop eating spicy foods.
2. High-sugar foods should be avoided during pregnancy, as expectant mothers should particularly pay attention to this. Avoiding high-sugar foods can prevent metabolic disorder related to sugar and potentially become a potential diabetic.
In pregnancy, if a pregnant woman continues to eat high-sugar foods, it will lead to the occurrence of gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes not only endangers the health of the pregnant woman but also seriously affects the healthy development and growth of the fetus. In severe cases, it may lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
3. Pickled foods contain a lot of nitrates and benzopyrenes, which are very harmful to the body.
Especially pregnant women with allergies, it is even more important to avoid consuming such foods to prevent irreversible impacts on the fetus.
Moreover, through research, it has been found that consuming these preserved foods during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, and even fetal malformations.
4. During pregnancy, women should be cautious about consuming foods containing caffeine.
Drinking too much coffee, tea, and other caffeine-containing beverages and foods can affect women's physiological health.
Research has found that caffeine, as a substance that can affect physiological changes in women, can to some extent alter the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the female body, and indirectly inhibit the implantation and development of fertilized eggs in the uterus.
5. In the production process of canned food, a large amount of additives such as artificial coloring agent, fragrance and preservative are usually added.
Although these additives do not have any effect on human health, if pregnant women consume them frequently, it is very harmful to their health.
Moreover, canned food doesn't have a high nutritional value. After being processed at high temperatures, the vitamins and other nutrients in the food are already damaged to some extent. Regular consumption may affect how the fetus absorbs nutrients.
Consequently, canned foods are also foods that women should avoid during pregnancy.
6. Research on alcoholic beverages has found that drinking alcohol is a major cause of infant malformations and intellectual dullness.
This is because alcohol can pass through the placenta without any obstruction, allowing it to enter the fetus's body at the same concentration as in the mother's blood.
Alcohol also poses a significant risk to the brain and heart. If a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, her baby's IQ could be below average. Additionally, the baby may experience delays in reaction, intellectual disabilities, or even dementia.
To ensure the health of your baby, it is imperative for expectant mothers to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages during their pre-conception period.
Then, we should also pay attention to other precautions.
1. During the pre-conception period, discontinue use of contraceptive pills: If you have been using contraceptives continuously, you should stop taking them for 2 months and ideally wait half a year before attempting to conceive.
This can restore the endometrial and ovulatory function, which is beneficial for the growth and development of the fertilized egg.
2. It is inadvisable to conceive within six months of an abortion: At this time, the function of the physique, endocrine system, and reproductive organs all favor pregnancy, and it can also avoid the phenomenon of repeated miscarriage.
3. Do not get pregnant when you are emotionally suppressed.
Do not get pregnant when you are overtired.
Do not get pregnant while you are sick.
Also, try not to give birth to elderly mothers
4. Avoid exposure to radioactive and highly toxic substances before pregnancy.
It is not advisable to conceive during the winter solstice and the beginning of spring.
Pre-pregnancy, do not smoke or drink.
Pregnancy should not be accompanied by the keeping of pets such as cats and dogs.
5. Avoiding infections is very important during pregnancy, especially those that might harm the baby to come.
Dietary hygiene is important; raw and cooked foods should be kept separate, and food that has gone bad should not be eaten.
6. Avoid unsafe environments, as certain jobs pose certain risks to pregnant women and their fetuses.
If you have to frequently come in contact with chemical and radioactive substances, you should try to change or move out of this environment.
And also remember that some cleaners, pesticides and solvents can be harmful to fetal development.
If you are not sure about your life or work environment, it is important to consult a doctor.
7. Wear loose-fitting clothing: Research in the UK has found that tight clothes around the uterus and fallopian tubes can create significant pressure.
When the tight clothes are taken off, the pressure on the fallopian tubes is reduced, but the uterus will keep it for a while.
The pressure difference will cause endometrial cells to leave the uterus and form endometriosis.
Furthermore, wearing high heels for extended periods causes the body to tilt, resulting in a decreased angle with the ground. This can lead to a tilted pelvis, which may cause displacement of the pelvic cavity and increase the likelihood of uterine prolapse, thereby increasing the risk of infertility.
8. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the vulva is crucial. If there are genital inflammations, treatment should be initiated first to prevent them from directly affecting the chances of conception. Besides using water for daily cleaning, some herbal washes containing traditional Chinese medicine such as Fengyi Jie can also effectively suppress the growth of harmful bacteria. These external washing methods are safe and healthy and can also effectively prevent gynecological diseases.
9. Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation: Although regular sexual activity can help conceive, up to 80% of infertile women have ASAb antibodies in their serum.
This is because the cervical mucous membrane in the reproductive tract is damaged during menstruation, and if intercourse occurs, it can easily lead to sperm contact with immune cells, resulting in the production of ASAb antibodies. This causes the sperm within the body to clump and lose their vitality.
The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
If there is any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately, and the diagnosis and treatment should be based on offline medical examination.