When planning to get pregnant, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. This article is going to take a look at the things you need to do before you conceive. These include: stopping contraception, the best time to conceive, getting to a healthy weight, nutrition, things you must stop, your work environment, visiting your doctor, and preparation that men should also do.

You probably don’t need to be told that you should stop your contraception before you try getting pregnant, but I’m saying it anyway just to get it out of the way. Whether it is barrier methods like condoms, pharmaceutical methods such as the pill, or other methods such as a coil, now is the time to stop using it.

For couples that regularly have sexual intercourse without contraception, about 80% of them conceive during the first year. Having sex every 2 or 3 days is a good way to do this, and is better than trying to time it exactly to when you ovulate. After all, you may be wrong in your prediction of your ovulation time.

If you are overweight or underweight then you will find it more difficult to get pregnant. So, before you try to conceive, make sure you get yourself to a healthy weight first.

Weight control ties in nicely with my next point, which is nutrition. It makes sense that while you are growing a new person inside yourself that you should be eating healthily. This means plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of whole grain complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread and oats, and some good quality protein such as lean meat, beans and pulses. It is also a good idea to take a folic acid supplement.

You also need to stop certain things when you try to get pregnant. Smoking and alcohol are obvious things you must not continue while you are pregnant. Also, certain medication may not be compatible with pregnancy. If in doubt, see your doctor.

That brings me nicely onto my next point: visiting your doctor. Again, this is another obvious one, but still worth mentioning just to be sure. You will need to discuss with your doctor any existing medical conditions that you have, and any medication that you are currently on. You will also need to discuss vaccinations, as there are certain infections such as rubella which can seriously harm your baby.

If you are currently working, and plan to continue working through some of your pregnancy, you will need to evaluate your working environment. Some working environments are unsuitable for pregnant women, so you may get moved to a different role during your pregnancy.

Last but not least, let us not forget the man. Men need to prepare for pregnancy too. Smoking and alcohol can affect a man’s fertility, as can being overweight. Wearing loose fitting underwear may also help to improve a man’s fertility.

How to Fall Pregnant, What to Avoid When Pregnant, How to Prepare for Pregnancy