If you expect to become a mother soon, implementing healthy
lifestyle adjustments ahead of time will not only increase your chances of
conceiving but also ensure a good pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be complicated due to various reasons. Taking
care of your overall health becomes very important while planning a baby. You
need to be mentally prepared for the complications attached with the pregnancy
through out the process. To have a healthy and easy pregnancy journey you need
to follow certain precautions that can make your pregnancy simple and less
complicated until the child’s birth.

Not only is pregnancy important, but the time leading up to
it essential as well. Here are some things to keep in mind while planning a
baby, from controlling specific health conditions to eating a nutritious diet
to including physical activity into your daily routine. Dr. Payal Narang,
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Lullanagar,
shares some advice.

Also read: Man helps his Tinder friend to give birth on their fourth date

Manage chronic conditions: Sexually transmitted infections
(STDs), diabetes, thyroid disease, and high blood pressure must all be
addressed initially.

Take folic acid supplements: Folic acid supplements can be
taken before pregnancy to help avoid severe birth abnormalities of the baby’s
brain and spine.

Experts advocate quitting smoking and drinking alcohol
before planning a pregnancy. Smoking is bad for your health and can lead to
early birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and respiratory issues in babies.
To avoid any harmful effects on one’s health, one should also avoid alcohol.

Consume a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, pulses, and lentils. Avoid
sugary foods such as spaghetti, pizza, noodles, burgers, samosas, French fries,
colas, sweets, candies, coffees, sodas, and juices. Don’t eat too much. Attempt
to consume the amount of food prescribed by the professional. Maintain a
healthy weight by limiting your calorie intake.