Planning a pregnancy? Prepare better with these tips

Having a baby is one of the greatest life-altering decisions you will make. Once you decide to go the family way, follow these tips. To begin with, make sure you stop all the birth-control precautions when planning for a baby.

For both of you

Bust all the stress

Get emotionally ready for your new role and let go all the stress present. If you are having a bad patch in professional or personal life, it is good to delay pregnancy till the time you are head cool. Happy parents can only make happy babies.

Courtesy: WelcomeLittle.com

Welcome Little is a programme specially designed for the expecting parents to prepare them for welcoming their little one

Don't get impatient if results are negative

It is absolutely normal to take 6 months to conceive. Do not get stressed if you test negative for couple of months together. Too much tracking of ovulation days at time result in pressure and stress. Keep calm and be happy.

Enjoy your sex-life

Enjoying sex-life is absolutely essential. This is the best tip to conceive naturally. Thrice a week, protection-free and stress-free sex throughout the month enhances the changes of getting pregnant.

Sex positions that help gravity direct semen inside uterus -- men-on-top, side-by-side etc. are good for conception. Avoid getting up or washing yourself immediately. Lying down is the best thing to do avoid semen outflow.

Embrace healthy lifestyle habits

Make sure both of you start having healthy balanced diet. Include varieties of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid raw meat, however cooked meat is usually fine. Avoid junk food and caffeine.

Active and passive smoking must be quit and you got to do away with alcohol and drugs. Go for walks together. Light gyming, swimming, yoga are good for both of you.

Get preconception check-ups

Many couples choose to go for preconception check-ups; however the concept is not too common in India.

The common tests performed are -- HIV or STD tests, Pap smear, diabetes and hypertension. These check-ups ensure proper health and identify any underlying problem, if any.

For her

Keep track of your menstrual cycle

Having intercourse in the phase when you are ovulating results in quicker pregnancy. A woman's egg has a life of 1 day however sperm has a life of 2-5 days. Keep a check on your periods and know the day when you ovulate.

Have sex just before or during the ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs on 14th day of 28-day menstrual cycle. However do not get pressurised because of dates. Also remember your last menstrual start date, you can mark on calendar if required.

If you conceive in that month the first thing your doctor will ask is to calculate your 'EDD' (expected date of delivery).

Start with Folic Acid

Woman in child-bearing age must always have food rich in folic acid.

You should have green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and pulses as part of your daily diet. Folic acid supplement may also be started in consultation with your doctor.

For him

Do not wear tight briefs and lowers

Avoid tight or warm underwear that tend to rub against the groin area and increase its temperature.

It is generally accepted that an increase in temperature of your genitals will reduce the quality and production of your sperm. This may be worse if you live in the regions with high temperatures or have long working hours.

Avoid long distance biking

Avoid excessive cycling. Your testicles can get compressed between the legs and the seat of the bicycle and become overheated. This can reduce the sperm count.