6 ways to get your body ready for pregnancy

The best time to start preparing your body for a baby is before you stop your birth control, because by the time you miss a period, your baby will have already begun to grow. But even if a pregnancy is unplanned, there’s lots you can do get in great shape.

1. Have a check-up with your health provider 

If you have diabetes or any condition requiring medication, or if you suffer from mental health issues, don’t stop the medication without consultation. "Be guided by professionals," says Dr Diana du Plessis, an independent midwifery consultant and researcher in Gauteng.  

Also check that your immunisations are up to date – chickenpox, German measles (rubella) and hepatitis B can cause miscarriage or birth defects. "And remember to have yourself screened for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV," she adds. "Being born with those can be a life-altering." 

2. Clean up your lifestyle

Quitting smoking should be a no-brainer, as should refraining from alcohol. These and other recreational drugs reduce your chances of conception and increase your risk of miscarriage, birth defects and a low-birth weight for the baby. Also restrict coffee to one cup a day and cut out colas and other drinks containing caffeine, says Du Plessis.

3. Watch your weight

Being significantly overweight or underweight can affect your ability to fall pregnant and cause complications in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.  

4. Eat healthily

Have lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, a little lean protein, some dairy, and fats rich in omega-3 (from fish or raw seeds and nuts). You should also take a daily 400mc folic acid supplement as a safeguard against neural tube defects that cause spina bifida (when the bones of the spine don't form properly around the baby's spinal cord). 

"Your health professional will prescribe supplements in the form of multi-vitamins and minerals," says Du Plessis. "Take them as indicated, to reduce the possibility of anaemia in pregnancy. Lack of iron may also result in excessive bleeding after birth."

5. Exercise 

A fit woman has a better chance of falling pregnant, she says. Moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day can help control your weight and make you fitter, boosting your energy and making labour easier. If you’re fit already, keep it up; if not, start slowly. Walk briskly, dance, cycle or try swimming, which can be done safely right through pregnancy.

6. Keep calm

Make a deliberate effort to relax, especially if you are concerned about the possibility of conceiving, says Du Plessis. High stress has been associated with infertility, possibly because it encourages bad eating habits, weight loss or gain, and insomnia. Unwind and unburden with friends, or keep a journal, and get your partner to give you a foot or back massage – good practice for when you go into labour.

How Clicks Clinics can help you

All Clicks Clinics offer a pregnancy consultation which includes a blood pressure test, a measurement of your BMI and advice on pregnancy-related issues.

Don't hesitate to make an appointment at a Clicks Clinic: call 0860 254 257 or book online at Clicks Clinics online.