You’ve decided to take the plunge into parenthood. Or, you’re ready to have baby number two! Congrats! Family planning takes some preparation and we’re here to help. It’s important to take the right steps to stay healthy and feel prepared to start trying to conceive.
Before jumping into family planning, let’s discuss fertility awareness.
What is fertility awareness?
Fertility awareness can be used to:
- Plan a pregnancy
- Familiarize and understand your own menstrual cycle
- Avoid a pregnancy
In a nutshell, these are different methods using your body’s natural functioning to determine which days of the month you are most likely to get pregnant.
If you’re looking for ways to conceive naturally and for the easiest and quickest ways to get pregnant without interventions, family planning may be your best route.
Before heading down the road to conception, there are some important things you need to do first.
Make Natural Family Planning Work for You With These 5 Tips
Schedule a Family Planning Visit
Scheduling a visit with your OBGYN for a family planning visit will be one of the most effective tips we can suggest to you. They will work alongside you and review your personal and medical history, your current health and any supplements or medications you’re taking. Your practitioner will discuss and help you put together a game plan for you for the following:
- Diet
- Ideal weight
- Exercise
- Any unhealthy habits you may have (drinking, smoking, etc.)
- Make sure you are current on your immunizations
- Discuss any medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Answer any questions you may have
Picking the right OBGYN is critical to family planning. Here are 4 tips on finding the best OBGYN near you.
Have Good Physical Health
When you’re ready to get pregnant, it’s important to make sure that you are physically healthy to have a healthy pregnancy. You don’t want to be underweight or overweight and make sure you are exercising at least 3 to 4 times a week. You may have an easier time conceiving if you’re at a healthy weight. If you have a low or high body mass index (BMI) it might be more difficult for you to become pregnant. Being at a healthy weight will also help you start your pregnancy off on the right foot. Here are 7 ways to exercise safely during pregnancy from Parents.
Pay Attention to the Fish You Eat
If you’re a big fan of fish, it’s time to start paying attention to your intake. Fish contains mercury, which can be harmful. Some good choices include salmon, farm-raised rainbow trout and sardines.
Stop Taking the Pill
If you take birth control, stop taking it a few months before you start family planning. This will help you see what your natural menstrual cycle is like. Is it 27 days? 32? You’ll be able to pinpoint when you’re ovulating—the time of the month when you’re most fertile.
Track Your Menstrual Cycle
Another effective way to start family planning is to track your menstrual cycle. It will help you determine when your fertile times of the month are. Here are three ways to help you better understand when you’re ovulating.
Before you jump headfirst into family planning, take a moment. It’s important to use these tips for the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Family Planning Preparation with My OBGyne
Ready to start a family? Scheduling a visit with your OBGYN before you start trying to conceive is a must. My OBGyne offers our patients a full range of family planning care and preparation to help guide you on this new journey. Our wonderful team is here to ensure that all your needs are met before, during and after your pregnancy. If you’re ready to start a family, we can ensure you that you are prepared by offering our complete family planning preparation services.
Request your appointment with My OBGyne today!
References: https://www.livescience.com/44221-how-to-get-pregnant.html, http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/natural-family-planning/, http://www.yourdays.com/articles/fertility/conception/getting-pregnant-using-natural-family-planning.htm, http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/advice/contraception/fertility-awareness , http://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/pre-pregnancy-health/general/before-getting-pregnant/?slideId=52370, https://www.babycenter.com/0_17-things-you-should-do-before-you-try-to-get-pregnant_7171.bc