If you’ve been thinking about becoming Pregnant, chances are many thoughts are going through your head. Will I have a boy or a girl? What will we name them? Will they have their father’s eyes? Their mother’s smile? What will they be when they grow up? What will that future look like?

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The first thing you’re probably wondering is, will this work? Will I become pregnant with minimal intervention? Will it be a normal Pregnancy resulting in a healthy newborn?

While there’s no way to guarantee you’ll have zero complications, there are several things that can be done to ensure the best chances of conception followed by the healthiest pregnancy possible. With this in mind, let’s take a look at six helpful tips for those trying to become pregnant:

Stock up

It’s a bit too early to start stockpiling on diapers and formula. But now’s the time to buy bulk pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, and any accessories that may help increase the chances of conception. Shopping for items meant to spice things up in the bedroom probably doesn’t hurt, either. That way, when you decide it’s time, you’ll be ready to get going!

De-stress

Occasional stress and anxiety are unfortunate facts of life. But for those trying to conceive, chronic stress can make it harder to become pregnant. With this in mind, those thinking about having a baby should find ways to mitigate stress and anxiety as much as possible. Meditative techniques, mindfulness, talk therapy, and yoga are just some of the options to consider. While infertility may have underlying causes, the first step is to manage stress to see if that’s the culprit behind difficulties in becoming pregnant.

Eat right

While you might not be eating for two yet, you should be eating with pregnancy in mind. This means eating foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients, especially those shown to help with conception. Examples include avocados, berries, citrus, dairy, fatty fish, spinach, sweet potatoes, and walnuts. That sounds like quite the tasty meal plan! While many of these foods are found in most pregnancy diet plans, those trying to become pregnant should make a point to stock up on nutrients beforehand. Doing so helps to prime your body for pregnancy.

Plan ahead

Pregnancy and parenthood come with an array of uncertainties. Rather than worry yourself silly, take time to plan ahead as much as possible. Find a trustworthy pediatrician. Start a college fund. Look into local school districts in order to map out potential neighborhoods to buy a house. It doesn’t have to be all numbers and research; begin compiling a list of possible baby names and thinking about nursery decor as a way to take the edge off the planning process.

Avoid alcohol

There’s no evidence to suggest that moderate alcohol consumption leads to difficulties in becoming pregnant. However, excessive alcohol consumption does make it harder for a woman to conceive. Given the existing health hazards associated with alcohol and its detrimental impact on fetal development, we suggest cutting back the minute you decide to try to become pregnant. No matter what, the day you learn you’re pregnant should be the first day you go without a drink for the next nine months.

Quit smoking

Tobacco use impedes a woman’s ability to become pregnant. This is due to a number of reasons. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, tobacco negatively affects hormone production. It also reduces fertility and generally harms the reproductive system. Considering the existing warnings regarding smoking while pregnant, we suggest doing what it takes to quit before trying to conceive.

The decision to try to become pregnant comes with a host of questions, concerns, and worries. The best thing you can do going forward is to take steps to improve the chances of conception while also working towards living a healthier lifestyle. Doing so will prove beneficial for you and your baby.

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, family, and travel.

p.s. Relates posts:

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Tips for Preparing Children for a New Sibling

6 Must-Haves When You’re Trying To Conceive

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