New year’s resolution: To get pregnant

If you have decided that 2016 is the year for you to be a mum, you should start preparing yourself in the best way possible. Here are 10 tips you should consider before getting pregnant:

1. Give up unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.

1. Know your ideal weight. Overweight women can see an endocrinologist about going on a diet to lose weight without risking their health; while thin women can try to gain weight.

1. Go to a gynaecologist for a blood test. This can tell you if you are suffering from anaemia or other conditions.

1. Find out if you have had certain infections which may affect the unborn child if you suffer them during your pregnancy: e.g. German measles, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis, syphilis or AIDS.

1. If necessary, get vaccinated against German measles or chickenpox.

1. Visit your dentist. This way, you can avoid having to undergo dental treatment during pregnancy (although most treatments are not actually contraindicated).

1. Get into shape. Play sports or exercise moderately – especially if you can continue doing it during pregnancy!

1. Try to eat a balanced diet from now on. You should eat enough calories and include the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

1. Start taking folic acid 3 months before stopping contraceptive methods. This is a B vitamin which is essential for the health of the mother and child, and prevents certain types of anaemia and birth defects in the unborn baby.

1. Have sex regularly, but don’t become obsessed with getting pregnant immediately.