How I prepared for pregnancy

A few people have asked about our 'detox' we did before I was trying to get pregnant and I remembered that I couldn't find much info on that when I was looking, just lots on what to do when you are pregnant or actively trying. For me, I always knew that I wanted to be ready in every way before having a baby, I knew it would be something we planned and prepared lots for. So for anyone interested heres a bit on what we did and why.

Food - I was brought up on a very strict healthy diet and eating well is something I just do without really trying (I know how lucky I am!). The things we changed in the 4 month detox were no take-outs, we might have had one every 2 months or so. I made sure to bake nearly all our bread and add extra nuts and seeds. I snacked on nuts and seeds when I was hungry. I took folic acid and Al took zinc everyday we both took a multi vitamin too. We had fresh vegetables with every evening meal, we eat a lot of simple meals like fish, carrots, peas and spuds or sausages stir fry vegetables and cous cous. Salads or healthy sandwiches for lunches. I cut out caffeinated drinks altogether for the last 2 months (easy because I only drank tea and I swapped that to roibos) Al doesn't drink coffee but cut down on tea. I swapped normal chocolate for green and blacks organic - my vice :) We both cut out any regular extra snacking like before bed cereal or toast.

Alcohol - I did used to drink every now and then but over this last year I just cut that out all together, I don't know the scientific details but I figured toxins stay in your system for a while so best to have none. Al has a few beers at the weekend, when watching the football or socially - not a big drinker by any means. We learned that sperm takes 4 months from when it starts to form until it... leaves the body. When we found that out Al decided that he wanted to 'detox' for 4 months before we started trying, the way he saw it was I was going to be super healthy for the next year at least (I hope to breast feed so my diet will be just as important after baby is born) that it was the best, and only, thing he could do nutritionally or that would help our baby physically before its born. I thought it was a lovely thing to do for our baby and it kinda shows me what kind of father he is too - although I already knew :)

Smoking - Neither of us have ever smoked so no need to quit!

Exercise - Now this area I do feel as though I could have done slightly more in but I'm still happy with what we did because we were both in the 'ideal' bmi/weight range and really active compared to most people. My job (pre school room leader) keeps me fit and after a 10 hour day it was hard to go for a run/do yoga but I did manage a few sessions a week, either runs or yoga or hikes. Al works long hours too when you add his commute but he's naturally athletic and kept up the exercise as well. I think for us, because we didn't need to loose weight and we didn't want to burn ourselves out that was enough - we felt fit and healthy and thats what counts.

From the top of Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains.

Castlewellan forest park 10k hike, Mourne Mountains

Mentally - I think being 100% sure this is what you both want and it's the right time for you is probably the most important thing, we were 1000,000% sure :) We talked so much about starting a family, about everything from our own childhoods to what first solid food our baby might try first! I feel like this bonded us (me al and our unconceived baby!) as a family already. Because we talked about everything as it came in our heads there was never any worries or concerns and we were both just filled with excitement and happiness.

So thats about it, I know it may sound extreme to some people but it was a really easy and enjoyable transition for us and making these changes to be extra healthy/ready to start a family just felt like such a natural thing to do - it was so exciting and fun!

Also it worked perfectly! I'm 10 weeks pregnant, having the most wonderful pregnancy and feel amazing, no sickness or pains at all :)

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