Preparation before pregnancy is one of the most sensitive stages of every woman's life. Having enough planning and preparation before getting pregnant increases the probability of a successful pregnancy and the health of the fetus, and also prevents the occurrence of many problems during pregnancy. If you are planning to become a mother in the near future, it is better to prepare your body, mind and lifestyle before getting pregnant so that the path of pregnancy will be safer, calmer and more successful for you. Why is preparation before pregnancy important? Preparation before pregnancy is very important to start a healthy and successful pregnancy. Many women think that pregnancy is a natural process that does not require preparation, but the fact is that a woman's body and mind should be in the best possible condition before becoming pregnant. Physical, mental and even nutritional preparation before pregnancy helps the health of the mother and the fetus and significantly reduces the possibility of complications. Having enough preparation for a woman to make a decision for pregnancy with full knowledge of her physical condition, underlying diseases, eating habits and psychological conditions. This step increases the chances of a normal pregnancy, and prevents miscarriage, premature birth, fetal growth problems, and even postpartum complications.
Preparation for pregnancy
### Mother's health in fetal health
The physical health of the mother during pre-pregnancy is the foundation for the development of the fetus in the future. The presence of problems such as anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, uterine infections or glandular diseases can reduce the possibility of pregnancy and directly affect the growth and health of the fetus. By performing complete pre-pregnancy check-ups and tests during pre-pregnancy preparation, the doctor can check the general condition of the body, the function of the uterus and ovaries, and the level of hormones and eliminate any abnormalities before conception. ### Reducing the risk of miscarriage and premature birth
The benefits of pre-pregnancy planning and preparation are reducing the chances of miscarriage or premature birth. When a woman's body is hormonally, nutritionally, and physiologically balanced, the fetus grows in a more stable and healthy condition. Many miscarriages occur due to ignorance of uterine problems, untreated infections, or vitamin deficiencies. These factors can be identified and treated by going to the doctor and doing complete examinations before pregnancy. This issue is especially important for women who have a history of miscarriage or infertility. ### Mental and psychological condition
Pregnancy is not a physical change; And it is a set of hormonal, psychological and emotional changes. Mental preparation before pregnancy helps a woman to enter this stage more calmly. Constant stress and anxiety can upset the balance of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and thus have a negative effect on ovulation and fertility. Women who are calmer and more mentally balanced have a better chance of successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. Methods such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing and even counseling with a psychologist can help improve mental preparation before pregnancy. Spouse and family support also plays a very important role in creating a sense of security and reducing anxiety. Examining the state of body health in preparation before pregnancy
Preparation before pregnancy includes a full examination of the physical and mental health of the woman. Before deciding to get pregnant, it is necessary for the body to be in a balanced and healthy condition in every respect so that the fetus grows in a safe and strong environment. The first step in this direction is to visit a gynecologist for a complete checkup. By examining the medical records, hormonal and psychological status, and the general health of the body, the doctor offers the best solution for entering pregnancy safely. ### Essential tests before pregnancy
During the pre-pregnancy preparation, some tests are necessary to ensure the general health of the body. Blood tests to check for anemia, blood sugar levels, kidney and liver function, and vitamin D levels are very important. Checking thyroid function (TSH and T4) is also very important, because thyroid disorders can affect fertility and fetal development. In addition, tests for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, AIDS (HIV) and rubella are performed to prevent the transmission of diseases to the fetus. ### Controlling chronic diseases before pregnancy
If you suffer from diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, asthma or heart disease, it is necessary to have these diseases under complete control before pregnancy. Some medications may be dangerous to the fetus, so your doctor can change your medication to a safer one. Diabetic women should stabilize their blood sugar levels before pregnancy to prevent fetal abnormalities. Also, controlling blood pressure and body weight prevents the occurrence of preeclampsia pregnancy toxicity. ### Dental checkup and oral health before pregnancy
Oral and dental health, contrary to popular belief, has a great impact on pregnancy health. Gum infections can increase the level of inflammation in the body and increase the possibility of premature birth or low birth weight of the baby. It is better to go to the dentist before pregnancy, do calculus removal, treat caries and, if necessary, remove oral infections. Paying attention to these small details will prevent big problems in the future. ### Examining the health of the uterus and ovaries
It is very important to carefully check the state of the uterus and ovaries. By transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor checks the presence of ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps or uterine adhesions. If any abnormalities are observed, treatment before pregnancy is required, as these problems can negatively affect the implantation of the embryo and the continuation of the pregnancy. Examining the menstrual cycle and ovulation pattern helps the doctor to determine the right time of pregnancy and increase the probability of fertility. ### Mental health in preparation before pregnancy
Mental health is an integral part of pre-pregnancy preparation. During this period, women may experience anxiety, fear of pregnancy or worry about future responsibilities. If these emotions are not managed, they can disrupt the hormonal cycle and even ovulation. It is suggested to use psychological counseling or psychotherapy in case of anxiety or depression before pregnancy. Doing activities such as yoga, meditation, walking in nature and talking with your spouse about feelings and worries can play an important role in creating mental and emotional peace. Preparation before pregnancy in men
A successful pregnancy is the result of the physical and genetic health of both parents. Healthy sperm is as effective in the formation of a healthy embryo as a healthy egg. Therefore, men should also prepare physically, nutritionally and psychologically before their wife's pregnancy to increase the chance of fertility and reduce the risk of genetic problems and pregnancy. ### Examining sperm health and male reproductive system
The first step in men's preconception preparation is a sperm test or "spermogram." This test checks the number, motility and appearance of sperm. If any of these factors is low, the probability of fertility decreases. Sperm quality can be affected by many factors; including excessive heat such as prolonged use of a sauna or laptop on your feet, exposure to chemicals, chronic stress, or smoking and alcohol use. If any abnormality is observed in the sperm test, the doctor may recommend additional tests, including male hormones, testicular ultrasound or genetic testing. Know more: pregnancy after vaginoplasty
### Nutrition and supplements effective in strengthening sperm
Healthy eating is one of the most important parts of men's pre-pregnancy preparation. Just as the mother's nutrition affects the egg health, the father's nutrition also affects the sperm quality. Zinc helps to increase sperm count and strengthen hormonal function. Its sources include red meat, eggs, nuts and legumes. The following nutrients play a vital role in strengthening sperm. Vitamin E and C, these two strong antioxidants prevent oxidative damage to sperms and improve sperm motility. ### The influence of men's lifestyle on fertility
Regular exercise and light to moderate physical activities, such as walking, swimming or light cycling, improve blood flow in the body and testicles and increase sperm quality; But heavy sports and extreme bodybuilding should be avoided, because it can have the opposite result. Sufficient and regular sleep is also necessary to regulate the secretion of testosterone hormone, because lack of sleep reduces the quality of sperm. Also, the use of tobacco, hookah and alcohol should be completely avoided, because these substances damage sperm DNA and increase the possibility of miscarriage or fetal malformation. ### The importance of mental health
The future father must be mentally and emotionally ready to accept the role of father. Anxiety, depression or work stress can indirectly affect sperm quality and sexual performance. During preparation before pregnancy, it is better for men to spend more time resting, emotionally connecting with their spouses and focusing on their mental health. If there are symptoms of anxiety or depression, it will be very useful to see a psychotherapist or a family counselor. **Conclusion**
Preparation before pregnancy means a conscious decision to start one of the most important stages of life; mother and father This preparation is not only limited to performing a few tests, but also includes checking physical and mental health, proper nutrition, lifestyle modification, disease control, and even mental preparation to accept the upcoming changes. Every woman and man who spends enough time and attention to prepare their body and mind before getting pregnant will have a better chance of experiencing a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery and having a strong and healthy baby.
