The big decision was made – you and your partner have decided to start the exciting journey of growing your family. But before you start painting that nursery and picking collages – there is plenty you can start doing now to make yourself as healthy as possible for the growing bundle of joy. Here are some things to start you off on your preconception journey, you very own Preconception To-Do List.
- Visit your local GP: Yes, you will be seeing a lot of your doctor once you are pregnant for the routine check-ups, but it is always a good idea to book a visit ahead of time. This check-up will help you find out if you have any health issues that could affect your chances of conceiving – these issues need to be under control from the very beginning.
- Look out for Chemicals: Avoid canned foods in order to reduce exposure to chemicals since the interiors of most food cans are coated with a protective lining containing bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor. Also avoid household cleaners, garden pesticides and herbicides. Consider using natural household care products such as lemon, baking soda and vinegar. Also take a look at your personal care products as some of them may contain lead, harmful toxins and hormone disruptors.
- Quit the Cigarettes and Drinking: Everyone knows that tobacco and alcohol are never OK during pregnancy, before pregnancy or even if you are not trying to conceive. But smoking and drinking can not only cause problems with the baby’s growth, baby’s health but it makes it harder for you to fall pregnant and increases the risks of a miscarriage.
- Cut down on caffeine: Sipping more than two cups of coffee or drinking more than five cans of soda a day could increase the difficulty of conceiving and has been tied to miscarriages. An added bonus of quitting the caffeine now is that you won’t have any weird and wonderful caffeine cravings during those first few weeks of pregnancy. Perhaps a delicious cup of Zingy Ginger Tea or swop your morning coffee drinking ritual with a Super Boost Breakfast Smoothie
- Switch to a healthier diet: We are surrounded by take-aways and unhealthy foods which are a lot easier to get when you have a busy schedule. But this can be easily solved by getting into a simple routine to make sure your body gets what it needs. Now is the time to swap the pizza slice for a bowl of berries. Fruits, Vegetables, whole grains and lean protein everyday will decrease the risk of you getting gestational diabetes (affects pregnant women) and will help your body prepare for the journey ahead.
- Get some exercise: A good preconception exercise program can help your body get ready for the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy will put on your body. The mental benefits of preconception exercise are also a great reason to start a fitness routine. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins in your brain, which means you feel happier. Your sleep patterns and mood can improve, and you will overall feel better adjusted and healthy if you stick to a regular exercise program.
If you need some help with these things, our The Thrive Technique Home Study Programme consists of what I believe to be the five pillars of health which will support you on your journey to fabulous health and wellness.
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