Families For Life | What You Need to Know if You are Trying for a Baby!

Congratulations, you and your partner are finally ready to start trying for a baby! But there’s more to being truly ready beyond just conception. Here are some tips on what you can do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Watch your diet

A healthy baby needs a healthy mum too. Eat a balanced diet to prep your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to grow a healthy foetus and sustain you throughout your pregnancy. Be careful not to over- or undereat so you can be at a suitable weight for pregnancy. You can take supplements or multivitamins to further boost the nutrients your body needs.

Some nutrients that are essential for pregnancy include:

  • Folate/folic acid (in dark green vegetables, fortified cereals, and certain fruits): Prevents neural tube defects

  • Iron (in red meat, and green leafy vegetables): Helps to form red blood cells to prevent anaemia

  • DHA omega-3 fatty acid (fish like tuna, salmon and sardines): Regulates key ovulation-inducing hormones, and increases blood flow to reproductive organs

  • Calcium and vitamin D (in dairy, bean products): Strengthens bones to support the baby’s weight in pregnancy, and prevent osteoporosis as you age

2. Quit unhealthy habits

If you’re planning for a baby, it’s best to start making positive changes as early as possible. Smoking and drinking alcohol can affect the foetus in the womb and increase the likelihood of premature birth and severe health issues after birth so work on quitting as soon as you decide to start trying.

If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, try and cut down your caffeine intake. There are no definitive findings that link caffeine to fertility or birth issues, but as with any addictive substance, it’s best to consume it in moderation.

3. Stay active

Pregnancy and giving birth can put a lot of strain on your body, and regular exercise can help prepare your body for those changes. Build up your stamina early in your conception journey so that you won’t feel as winded walking around when you start growing that baby bump! Exercises that strengthen your lower body, like kegels and squats, yoga and swimming are all good for training your body up for a growing baby and can even be modified during pregnancy.

Keeping active helps reduce stress and improve your mood, which is equally important when trying for a baby. Try working out with your partner or other expectant mum friends to make the process less boring.

4. Plan your finances

This might seem obvious, but having a child is a lifelong investment. Start saving up early on so that you’re well prepared when the baby arrives. Look into insurance options to keep you covered for regular gynaecologist visits. For Singaporeans and PRs, you can claim benefits from the MediSave Maternity Package for pre-delivery and delivery expenses.

Remember, family planning is a team effort with your partner. Set aside a budget for the baby and pregnancy that both of you can contribute to, in a shared account. Talk through any major financial decisions and involve your partner in consultations so both of you know what you are putting your money into.

Check out this page for more useful resources and tips for when you’re ready to try for a baby!