This year marks the auspicious Year of Dragon to the Chinese. As the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon represents courage, wisdom, and success — some important qualities that most parents would hope for their children and it is not a surprise that many plans for a 'dragon baby' of their own! However, planning for parenthood is not just about the process of baby-making. If you are looking to conceive this year, here are some tips to give you the best chances of a healthy pregnancy and 'dragon baby'.
Conduct a pre-pregnancy health check
Whether it is your first pregnancy or not, a preconception checkup is always a good idea. The checkup typically involves a health review of you and your spouse, where the doctor will screen you for chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. If you are on birth control, your doctor may also advise on the best ways to stop it for pregnancy. This health screening should be done at least three months before you are planning to conceive.
You can also get in-depth genetic counselling if you are concerned about the probability of passing on genetic disorders such as thalassemia. Learning about it can help you make better decisions about your pregnancy.
Get that "baby-ready" body
While there is no infallible diet or exercise that will help you conceive, a well-balanced diet and ideal body weight can have a positive impact on your pregnancy. A well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will not only provide essential nourishment for you but for your future baby too.
Consider taking multivitamins, especially folic acids. Folic acids help in the formation of red blood cells and the growth of tissues. In pregnancy, folic acids are vital in preventing neural tube defects, which refer to birth defects of the brain, spine, and spinal cord.
Other than folic acids, vitamin D is also important for improving the quality of the eggs and sperm. In pregnant women, vitamin D can help avoid premature delivery.
On top of taking care of your diet, a 30-minute moderate exercise such as brisk walking or gardening every day will help strengthen your body and also manage your body weight sustainably.
Ditch your unhealthy habits
Don't wait until you are pregnant to quit unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol. Smoking can negatively impact your chances of conceiving as it is linked to fertility issues in both men and women. Additionally, a newer study has shown that secondhand smoke may increase foetal risk factors too. On the other hand, excessive drinking can cause abnormality in the eggs and the sperm count to lower.
Track your menstrual cycle
Be sure to record when your period starts and ends from month to month. This will give you an idea of the duration of your cycles each month. Understanding your cycle can help you identify your most fertile period which in turn, can help you get pregnant quicker. Also, don't be shy to discuss this with a health professional should you continue to have problems conceiving.
