Bump Pregnancy Planner and Journal

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Take a list of talking points so you don’t forget anything. Be sure to talk to your doctor about: Medical Conditions Your hormones regulate your menstrual cycle, fertility and also play a big role in important body functions, such as metabolism, sleep, development and overall mood. When preparing for pregnancy, it's crucial that your hormones are working in harmony, to give you the best possible chances of conceiving. If you have a partner, it’s a good idea to explain all this so they can support you from the beginning. Or ask your friends or family to give you that extra support.

Planning for Pregnancy | Preconception Care | CDC Planning for Pregnancy | Preconception Care | CDC

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Before a woman becomes pregnant, she can discuss her medical history with a doctor, focusing on the following: It’s more likely you’ll have a larger baby – this can make the birth more painful and possible stress for the baby. So you may need a caesarian (C-section). There are a lot of things you’ll hear about what’s safe and what’s not during pregnancy. Some of this isn’t so scientific. Other items are incredibly important for your growing baby’s health. One of the hottest items for debate? What foods to shun during pregnancy. If your dog or cat has been your fur-child, a crying, cooing infant that suddenly shows up could make them upset or unsettled. Help them adjust now.

8. Get Mentally Healthy

Almost every pregnant person will face a decision about taking medicines before and during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare providers before starting or stopping any medicines. Be sure to discuss the following with your healthcare providers: If you are on medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), ideally see your GP before becoming pregnant. As discussed in the medication section above, there are some blood pressure tablets which should not be taken if you are pregnant. Your doctor will advise if you need to change and may refer you to a specialist for further advice. Mental health

Planning to Become Pregnant | Pregnancy Advice | Patient Planning to Become Pregnant | Pregnancy Advice | Patient

Because some women experience light bleeding known as implantation bleeding around the time of the expected menstrual period, or because of irregular menstrual cycles, some women may not realize they are pregnant until specific symptoms of pregnancy start to develop. By this time, the woman may have unknowingly exposed herself to substances that may be harmful for the pregnancy. Women who choose to begin pregnancy planning before conception can take steps to ensure that potentially harmful exposures are avoided. If you think you or your partner might be at increased risk of contracting an STI, visit your GP to get tested and have appropriate treatment before trying to conceive. 5. Preconception nutrition A neural tube defect is when the foetus's spinal cord (part of the body's nervous system) does not form normally. If you are already pregnant, you may find Diet and Lifestyle during Pregnancy more help. When should I have my next baby? When you're planning for a baby you should consider taking folic acid at least three months before you start trying. Folic acid, or folate, the natural form of folic acid found in food, is one of the B vitamins - vitamin B9. Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, a condition where the baby’s brain and spinal cord does not form normally, which is seen in cases of spina bifida.

5. Preconception nutrition

Planning a pregnancy when you have a severe mental health illness Read more about ' Planning a pregnancy when you have a severe mental health illness Whether you’ve been on birth control or not, now’s the time to get intimate with your menstrual cycle. Narrowing down the window of when you’re most fertile will help you get pregnant faster.