Preparing for Pregnancy? Take baby steps!

Author: Poorvi Adavi
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Having a baby is a process of creation. You are not just creating a human but also a family. A child’s birth impacts the closest relationships a mother develops over several years. Becoming a mother is an extremely fulfilling experience but it is vital that you go beneath the surface and explore how motherhood could affect your mind and body —  before you take the plunge into the journey of pregnancy.

Fantasy Vs. Reality
A famous psychoanalyst, Joan Raphael-Leff, the head of University of London Anna Freud Center  faculty gives us deep insight into a pregnant woman’s emotional upheavals. By the time the baby arrives, the mother has already created a baby in her mind. She develops feelings for her fantasy baby as the pregnancy progresses.

We must understand that there is a vast difference between fantasy and reality. It is best to welcome pregnancy with not just open arms but also an open mind.

Take these steps and walk through a careful path towards pregnancy -

1. A Parenting Talk: Share your thoughts with your partner. A lot of times men find it harder to accept the changed family dynamics post baby’s arrival. Couples must prepare each other for the forthcoming challenges like what childcare arrangements will work for the family, if the partner giving birth will return to work and when, and what parenting style/discipline style will work for both parents. It is vital to discuss your priorities right before you begin the journey.
2. Establish an Movement/Exercise Routine: Experts suggest that prenatal yoga encourages stretching, focussed breathing and mental centering. It not only helps the mom-to-be in an essential way but also provides a strong foundation for the breath and mind for delivery. Blossom offers low, medium and high level prenatal yoga classes throughout the week. Check out the schedule of classes today!
3. Eat a Balanced Diet: It is a well-known fact that a woman undergoes various changes in her diet during pregnancy. It is important to incorporate certain dietary and lifestyle moderations before getting pregnant. These changes prepare your mind and body and help in delivering a healthy baby. See your doctor to discuss these lifestyle changes and understand what’s best for you!
4. Reduce and/or Eliminate Harmful Habits: Studies have shown that excessive drinking, smoking and drugs can lead to miscarriages, premature babies and low-birth weight babies. Even second-hand smoking can reduce your ability to get pregnant. Tobacco can affect your fertility and also reduce your partner’s sperm count. So, if you wish to conceive faster, it’s time to become a teetotaler and become focussed toward your goal.