in

How to Better Prepare for Pregnancy After 30

More women are deciding to delay childbirth until they’re 30 or older. Some are choosing to focus on their education, some want to establish a career, and others just want to live up their 20s before committing to the role of a mother.

Women choose to delay pregnancy for different reasons, and that is something that’s completely up to them. However, once they do decide to try for a baby, it’s important to know how they can prepare themselves for pregnancy and stay healthy in the process. Below, five things to keep in mind before trying to conceive after 30.

Take fertility tests

Women’s fertility rates start to slowly decrease after the age of 32. Around 37, the decline becomes steeper. Egg count, egg quality, and frequency of ovulation are all affected by a woman’s age. Aside from her age, some other factors that contribute to a woman’s fertility include her hormonal balance as well as the regularity of her periods.

Taking fertility tests is one of the ways to increase your chances of conceiving after 30. The tests can be taken either in the doctor’s office or at home with the help of a kit. By monitoring your body, you’ll get an insight into everything from your vaginal pH to cervical fluids and body temperature and learn what’s the optimal time for intercourse.

Go for genetic screening and testing

While a lot of women in their 30s give birth to perfectly healthy babies, it’s important to note that the risk of health problems increases with mother’s age. The risk of genetic disorders in babies, in particular, increases in women that are 35 or older, as this is considered an advanced maternal age.

Going for genetic screenings can be very helpful in determining the likelihood of genetic problems in babies. They are sometimes a part of prenatal care appointments, and can help calculate the risks through your blood test. Genetic testing, on the other hand, is more accurate, and will provide precise details about the genetics and diagnosis of your baby.

Get informed on different birth options

Although there are certain health risks involved with becoming pregnant in your 30s, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing is getting regular prenatal care, as it’s one of the best ways to promote a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Moms in their 30s should also try to get as much information about different birth options. Aside from deciding on the delivery method, you should also look into options such as cord tissue, placental tissue, and umbilical cord blood banking which involve saving stem cells for possible later use. In doing so, parents can protect their future child’s health for years to come. All in all, it’s essential that you get informed in advance and make any important decisions before it’s time to give birth.

Create an effective exercise routine

Aside from preparing mentally and emotionally for your pregnancy, you should also focus on preparing yourself physically. Generally speaking, this means stopping with the use of any contraceptives, quitting any harmful habits such as smoking or drinking, and, of course, striving for a healthy body weight.

Being overweight or underweight can interfere with your chances of conceiving. So it’s important to get your BMI (Body Mass Index) to a normal range before trying for a baby. To do that, try to create an effective exercise routine you can stick to. Regular physical activity is essential for staying healthy during pregnancy and after giving birth. So try to engage in activities you enjoy for some extra motivation. In doing so, you’ll manage to keep your body weight in check while also reducing stress and ensuring more energy on a daily basis.

Focus on fertility foods

Your diet will also play an important role in conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. To boost your chances of conceiving, incorporate more fertility foods into your diet. These include foods rich in antioxidants (nuts, fruits, and vegetables), high-fiber foods (beans and whole grains). and high-fat dairy (whole milk and full fat Greek yogurt), and multivitamins, especially ones containing folate.

After giving birth, especially if you plan on breastfeeding, make sure to include proteins, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats into your postpartum diet. This will provide enough nutrients for your little one while also helping you lose that baby weight.

Wrapping up

Motherhood is the most wonderful stage in a woman’s life. And while some choose to enter this phase earlier, others choose to wait a bit longer to take on the role of a mother. With these tips in mind, you’ll manage to better prepare your body, mind, and soul for this wonderful journey and start this amazing new chapter off on the right foot.

About The Author

Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches.  You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter