How to Get Healthy for Pregnancy and TTC
You already know that I’ve been working on getting healthy for me, but today, as part of a sponsored post for #CollectiveBias, I will be talking about how to get healthy for pregnancy and my efforts at trying to conceive. #HerHealth
I’ve mentioned before, long ago, that Benjamin was a little surprise for Howard and me when we were still getting to know one another. Neither of us knew exactly what to do when he came along, but we knew we loved him from the moment we found out we were pregnant. We also knew right after he was born that we needed to make sure there were no more surprises for quite some time. I got an IUD the moment the doctor would put it in and we felt good about that decision. We knew we wanted more children, although we will never agree on the number (he wants 2-3, I want 4-6), but we knew we needed to wait a while before the next little surprise came along.
By the time Benjamin was two and a half years old, we were on a health journey that has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, and my IUD fell out. Yes, you read that right. I had lost 90 lbs and one day it was just there and no longer attached. We talked about getting it put back in, but decided this was our sign to start trying for baby #2. That was almost 4 years ago.
Howard and I have been actively trying off and on for the past 4 years, but we’ve hit a wall and took the next step to see our doctor for some help a couple of weeks ago. We’re scheduling tests, first him and then me, and we’re focusing our health journey on not only losing weight, but getting healthy for pregnancy and trying to conceive (TTC) as well.
How to Get Healthy for Pregnancy and TTC
Of course, you know I’m no expert, but I’ve been on this journey for a while now. Here are a few things that I’m trying that may help you as well:
1. Drink more water
I’ve talked about the health benefits of water for weight loss, but water is really just important for getting healthy in general. Water is what makes all of our systems work, including our reproductive system, and I can always tell when I’m doing “good” with my water.
2. Take Prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are not only made for when you are pregnant, but they can also be helpful for TTC. There are so many good vitamins in them and they help your body prepare to carry and grow a child inside. I’ve been taking prenatal vitamins consistently since I was pregnant with Benjamin and I can tell a difference when I let myself run out for even a few days.
I picked up a new bottle of prenatal vitamins at Walgreens on my last visit, along with some of their electrolyte water. Walgreens is my favorite place for vitamins and other women’s health products. Just going into Walgreens instead of that other giant retail store helps my mental health!
3. Exercise
Keeping your body in shape is going to help your body be better prepared for all the changes that happen during pregnancy. Your hormones will stay balanced and you will feel better (and sexier) about the fun part of TTC. Benjamin and I participated in a Color Fun Run a few weeks ago and had a blast!
4. Date night
What? Yes, date night and romantic encounters with your husband are definitely a must for TTC and pregnancy. This time of your life is going to be stressful and you need to stay connected with your man. This past weekend, Howard and I got to have a date night because my parents wanted to take Benjamin to a wedding. We went out for wings and wraps and some great conversation.
5. Take care of your mental health
For me, this is the biggest obstacle because of my depression and anxiety. I have to be sure that I am taking the right medicines and keeping myself healthy, both physically and mentally. I also have to take breaks from the TTC, prepare mentally for pregnancy, and keep good communication with my husband. When I do get pregnant (eventually!) I have to change my medicines to ensure the baby is healthy when born. Even if you don’t need medicines like me, take care of your mental health by going on walks, finding stress relief through hobbies, and just do what works for you to keep you healthy.
What tips do you have for getting healthy for pregnancy and TTC?
I dont have any tips for getting pregnant, but I DO love the way that those WINGS look!! YUM!!! Stay Healthy!!! xoxo
Those are some really great tips for TTC, Janet! I really don’t have anything to add, I think you have it all covered! You’re a great mom and I know that no matter how many children God plans to bless you with, you will move forward with positivity and a happy heart, because that’s just HOW YOU ARE. #client
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