Essential Preconception Planning Checklist

Planning to add a new member to your family? Here is quick and helpful checklist to help you prepare for pregnancy.

Babies are a bundle of joy for every couple and there is a natural tendency for everyone to crave for their own baby. However, it is essential to have this new addition to your family at the right time. Orthodox personalities might argue that there is no such thing as 'right time', but experts argue that for all those who prefer a planned conception, it is easily possible to follow a checklist to ensure a perfect physical and psychological make up before you actually decide to conceive. Listed below are some essential points to be taken into consideration while doing preconception planning.

Dual Consent
It is essential that both the partners are physically and psychologically prepared to take up responsibility for a new addition to their family. A baby deserves your time, attention and love. Couples need to first question themselves if their relationship is strong enough to take care of baby's requirements. Peace and harmony in a couple's relationship are top requisites in preconception planning checklist.

Preparing Older Siblings
The child you are currently planning to conceive may not be your first one. It is essential to psychologically prepare your older children to welcome a new member to your family.

Addictions
It is a common knowledge that smoking and drinking habits have a major share in reduction of male and female fertility. In case you are planning to start a family, it would be essential to give up these habits. In men, medical experiments have proven that reduction in nicotine intake gives a boost to sperm count.

Ovulation Dates
Ovulation days are the most fertile days of your menstruation cycle. If you are planning to have a baby, then ovulation period offers you the best chance to conceive. It is always a good idea to make careful noting of your menstruation dates on a calender. Note down the next due date for your menstruation. Now you can count backwards up to 12th and 16th day before your menstruation. This is the most fertile time or your ovulation time. For women experiencing a 28 days cycle, the 14th day from the first day of he last period is the most fertile day. You may also make use of a basal thermometer to check your basal temperature. There is usually a temperature rise of approximately 1.5º during your ovulating period.

Seeking Medical Advice
It is useful for both the partners to consult their medical practitioners and get a thorough physical examination done. This is important since, your doctors will be the first people to point out any hindrances to your pregnancy. Such hindrances can usually be taken care of, by intake of medicines or by a minor correction surgery. Check with your gynecologist for any prescribed immunization before conception. It is required that the doctor be made aware of your's and your family's medical history to help him understand the kind of drug prescription required by you. You may also plan a meeting with your doctor to discuss a suitable food plan to increase your fertility and thereby give a boost to your chances of conception.

Exercising Correctly
It is essential for women to be physically fit for successfully handing the physical stress of a pregnancy. If you are a health freak, try to make certain that you are not over exercising. An over exercise is often physically stressful and has proven effects such as irregular periods, reduction of hormone secretion, reduction in fertility, etc. For those who have always avoided exercising, start with indulging in some physical activity like jogging, swimming, cycling etc. Since ancient time, practicing yoga has been seen as an exercise as well as booster of fertility. This habit of exercising can be continued during pregnancy as well. The old generation held that pregnant women should hang up their shoes and take utmost rest. However, today it holds true that, more active the mother, healthier will be her child and easier the hours of labor on the final day. However, one may consult a fitness expert for best exercises post conception.

Healthy Diet and Supplements
Once you plan to conceive, it is essential for both partners especially the would-be-mother to to adopt a diet suitable for conception and fetal nourishment during pregnancy. It is encouraged to give up all kinds of crash diet plans if women desire successful conception. For women, it is essential to avoid certain foods like salt, lard, caffeine, refined foods, chocolates etc. The approach should be towards a balanced diet. Here is a table to help you understand the essential diet at a glance.

Nutrient	Source of Nutrition
Proteins	Red Meat, Fish, Eggs, Chicken, Beans and Pulses
Carbohydrates	Whole wheat, Cereals, Brown Rice, Potatoes, Sweet corn
Calcium	Milk, Cheese, Yoghurt, Broccoli
Fibre	Fresh fruits, Vegetables
Sugar and Fats(consume moderately)	Sugar, Oils, Clarified Butter
Iron	Liver, Hummus, Lentils, Leafy vegetables, Jaggery, Dryfruits and Seeds
Folic Acid	Beans, Berries, Citrus
Body Hydrants	Plenty of water and Juices

There is a myth that men do not need to make any dietary change before conception. However, facts state that there is a probability of low fertility amongst men which could be a hindrance to conception. It is always a good idea to consult a reputed nutrition specialist and ensure consumption of a wholesome diet.

It is not always possible for you to avoid the health issues that you face. But researches in science have helped create a variety of solutions to these problems. So before you plan to get pregnant, make it a point to go through this useful checklist. Its a perfect way to do your preconception planning.