How can a couple prepare for conception?
Preconception health is different for everyone because each person has individual needs. Every couple, however, can prepare by choosing to live well, make healthy choices, feel positive about their life and be encouraging and supportive of each other, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC).
The CDC describes preconception health as “a precious gift to babies,” and explains that by choosing to strive for a healthy weight, stop smoking, decrease stress, take the right vitamins and sleep well, couples are choosing to provide a healthy start to life for their babies.
A few ways the CDC recommends preparing for pregnancy include:
- Avoid stressful and abusive environments
- Care for current medical conditions and get them under control
- Check with your doctor about the safety of any medications you take
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get mentally healthy so you can feel positive about your life
- Get up-to-date on vaccinations
- Learn your family health history
- Quit smoking
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for at least a month before pregnancy to help with the baby’s brain and spine growth
- Work toward and maintain a healthy weight
For more information about how couples can prepare for conception, talk with your doctor.
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