PLANNING to have a baby this year? Well, now is a good time for you and your spouse to start making changes to your lifestyle that will facilitate conception. That's because a healthy pregnancy begins even before the test comes back positive. Basic pre-pregnancy planning will not only help to make the process less stressful, but it will also help to ensure the good health of your baby. Don't leave everything until you are pregnant, you can start doing the following things from this instant:

1. Toss your birth control. Ditch the pills or hormonal patch and start using barrier methods like condoms if you are planning to conceive in another few months. However, if you've been taking the pill, it's a good idea to finish the pack to prevent irregular bleeding. While some women get pregnant immediately after coming off birth control, it might take a few more months for the cycle to kick in for others, especially if you were using Depo-Provera. "So if you are planning to get pregnant, you should try to come off this a couple months before," explained obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Leslie Meade.

2. Pay your doctor a visit. It is recommended that you pay your obstetrician/gynaecologist a visit at least three months before you try to conceive. This way, you'll be able to update yourself on whether you have any STDs as well as deal with heart/health issues such as your hypertension, and get existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma and thyroid problems under control. It's also a good way to assess your relationship with your doctor to see whether he/she is someone you'll want to deal with for nine months on a regular basis.

3. Start partying less. Alcohol and caffeine can negatively affect the health of your baby, so start weaning yourself off the booze and coffee before becoming pregnant. As a mom, you'll probably not be able to stay out as late as you would like, so you might also want to start getting used to the idea of having to stay home more.

4. Try to get to your ideal body weight. Obesity can lead to infertility or can put you and your baby at risk for pregnancy-related complications. During pregnancy, overweight women are subject to risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, diabetes and hypertension to a greater degree. So now is a good time to start learning how to eat right and get used to the idea of exercising. Becoming more physically active will also help with strengthening your heart and your lungs and get you in the frame of mind for motherhood.

5. Up your folic acid intake. Folic acid assists with reducing the incidence of neural tube defects and is especially important if you suffer from medical conditions such as epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetes and anaemia. Folic acid can also help with morning sickness, so getting it in before pregnancy will help you prepare for the months ahead. "All women who plan to conceive should be taking folic acid daily and continue this throughout the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. This will help to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord," explained OBGYN Dr Sharmaine Mitchell.

6. See your dentist or periodontist. The condition of your mouth can affect your fertility; so getting your gum and teeth checked out should be a crucial aspect of your pre-birth planning. Studies have shown that women with gum disease are more likely to have a miscarriage or pre-term birth.

7. Crunch the numbers. Child care can be costly, so before getting pregnant, ensure that you and your spouse are able to finance a baby. Find out about your workplace maternity policy so that you won't be deprived of a salary, for example should you choose to stay home with your baby during the first few years of his/her life.

8. Check your immunisation status. Some infectious diseases can cause serious harm to your unborn child, so before you decide to conceive, it's important that you check your immunisation status. Vaccines can protect against diseases such as chicken pox, measles and hepatitis B which can affect your baby.

9. Get settled. Stability is important in planning a family, therefore it probably won't be wise to be moving while pregnant. Try and get settled in a more permanent environment before you consider having a child. Even if you don't have your own house, ensure that your partner's place, your rental, your parents' place or wherever you chose to live is conducive to raising a baby.

10. Book a dream getaway. Travelling with a baby is not going to be as easy as flying solo, so try and go on your dream vacation before getting pregnant. Having a carefree trip with your husband or a couple of your girlfriends before tackling motherhood will help you to relax and spend time with the ones you love before motherhood starts to occupy your time. You can also use such an occasion to take pre-pregnancy photos.

— Nadine Wilson

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