Pregnant? Or planning on getting pregnant soon?

If so, there are 5 health and body musts that you should put into practice now!  Why? Because the key is to be proactive, which often times is A LOT easier than being reactive, especially when we’re talking about matters of the body.  Of course, every woman’s health and body varies, so the same practice won’t always yield the same results, but a little effort can still go a long way.

Below are the 5 things you should do for your health and body before getting pregnant.  It’s also important to continue most of these suggestions even after child birth, as healthy practices will continue to make you look and feel better.

1.)    Establish and maintain good fertility and pre-baby health. What does that mean? To sum up…No smoking, drinking, drugs, prescription drugs (unless advised by doc), stress, herbs, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, hazardous chemicals.  Also maintain healthy body weight, good nutrition and regular doctor appointments.  For a great article and detailed list on this, go to American Pregnancy Association.

2.)    Start a Nutritious Diet. Blah, blah, blah…we all know this one but yet many of us fall short anyway. Why? Well, that’s for another time and another post.  Here we’re only addressing the what. So what is a pre-preggers nutritious diet?  Prenatal vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, dark leafy greens (ie-spinach) orange veggies (ie-squash, apricots), legumes (beans), proteins, whole grains (oatmeal), calcium (yogurt) and iron (meat, veggies).  And stop eating all that fast food! (do you really need a reason?).  If you want to learn more about nutritious foods in greater detail, read this informative article at American Pregnancy Association.

3.)    Cardio 3x per week. This can be low impact like walking if you’re just starting out…you don’t have to run marathons to get into shape.  Some good cardio exercises include running, brisk walking (walking your dog), dancing (belly dancing & strip tease are popular and good for the bod), jumping rope, mini trampoline (supposed to be better than running) and weighted hula hoop (awesome for the mid-section).  You should do cardio at least 30 minutes, 3x per week.  Remember-ALWAYS consult with your doctor before beginning a cardio routine.

4.)    Tone your Transverse Abdominals. This one is VERY important before getting pregnant!  To quote from Pregnancyinfo.net, your transverse abdominals, “are the deepest lying abdominal muscles that basically act as a girdle to your entire middle section.” Working these babies are the key to a flatter tummy.  Strengthening these muscles will help with labor and regaining your pre-baby belly.  If you want specific exercises to work your Transverse abdominal muscles, visit this article at Pregnancyinfo.net.

5.)    DO YOUR KEGELS!!! I saved the best for last with this one.  Stop snickering…you won’t be later.  Kegel exercises, named after a doctor in the 1940’s, are exercises that work your pelvic floor muscles, affecting your bladder, uterus and rectum.  Most importantly though, they help squeeze “the area”, tighter.  You can certainly wait to do this after until after child birth, once everything has been stretched. Or you can do this now, and really get those muscles strong so that they bounce back faster. It’s really quite a simple exercise and can be done in your car, cubicle, while chattin’ on the phone, ect.  To learn how to do a Kegel exercise, click on Pregnancyinfo.net.

So put away that double espresso and double chocolate muffin from Starbucks (so good!), because you’re starting a new and exciting journey, and it’s gonna take some hard work and discipline…but surely will pay off in the end, ask any new mama.

And if you are newly expecting and looking to share some laughs and candid talk with someone in your shoes, check out this future mama!

* Please note that all diet and exercise suggestions in this article are directed to woman pre and post pregnancy. If you are pregnant, please consult with your doctor before trying any suggestions here.  This is not medical advice. So always consult with your doctor first.