Parent and Baby

Planning and trying to have a baby is a wonderful opportunity for you and your spouse to bond but is can also be stressful and anxiety-inducing. The following are tips and guide on how to conceive successfully:

1. The first thing to do is to have a stress-free and calm mind for both spouses.
2. Have a healthy body. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Get professional help in quitting alcohol or cigarettes.
3. Add folic acid to your daily supplement. Folic acid has been proven to reduce the risks of your baby developing spina bifida and other congenital defects.
4. Eat the right kinds of food at the right amount at the right time.
5. If you are suffering from any ailments, consult your doctor about your plan to conceive.
6. Know your menstrual cycle so that you will know when you will ovulate. It will also help the doctor to determine the gestational age of the baby and the due date. If you are using the pill, skin patch or injectable, normalize your menstrual cycle first by stopping using the contraceptive for at least three months.
7. If you are using contraceptives, stop using it but do not have a high expectation that once you stop using contraceptives, you will be pregnant immediately.
8. Be on the lookout for a good care giver or baby sitter so that you will be prepared when the baby is born.
9. Have a regular exercise regime.
10. Be patient, do not expect immediate result because this will only add to your stress and anxiety.