5 Foods That Help Prepare Your Body For Conception

Preparing your mind and body for a baby are two entirely different ballgames. Motherhood may always have been a part of your life plan or you may have geared yourself up for baby-making and are finally ready to take on the responsibility of a child. But that’s not enough. It is equally important to prepare your body for a pregnancy to make the process of conception easier and ensure that you and your baby remain healthy during and after the pregnancy. Given the abysmal quantities of toxins and pollutants our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis, this becomes all the more vital. A basic first step in this direction is to eat well.

The five foods that can help prepare your body for conception:

Folic Acid

If you have been around expecting mothers, you may have heard the word ‘folic acid’ being used a lot. It is a vital prenatal supplement that lowers the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. Healthcare experts and doctors recommend starting on folic acid supplements and/or folic acid-rich foods at least six months to a year before trying to get pregnant. Leafy greens, fortified cereals, and whole grains, and citrus fruits are a rich source of folic acid. In addition to this, you can also ask your OB/GYN to prescribe you a supplement that helps in meeting the daily requirement of 400/600 mg of folic acid.

Protien-rich Food

High-quality proteins, which are loaded with amino acids, play a vital role in improving/maintaining the body’s fertility. These proteins must make up for 25 percent or more of your pre-pregnancy diet. Lean meats, poultry, fish (especially salmon since it is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids), egg whites, legumes, and beans are a great source of good quality protein. In addition to these, quinoa and tofu are considered to be ‘fertility foods’ given their high protein content.

Probiotics

By which, we basically mean yogurt. It is a simple yet all-natural way to boost your body’s immunity. A strengthened immune system will stand you in good stead during those pregnancy months when the body’s immunity levels are suppressed to protect the baby. An already weak immune system can make you more susceptible to illnesses and infections during this time. If you can’t imagine eating a bowl of yogurt with every meal – I feel you because I can’t either – try probiotic supplements or drinks or give the good old yogurt a fancy twist by straining and using it as dips or in desserts.

Dairy

Unless you are lactose intolerant, dairy should form an integral part of your pre-pregnancy diet as it plays a crucial role in the growth of an embryo. Once pregnant, your baby will depend on your body’s calcium stores to grow those tiny bones and teeth structures. If you are already low on calcium content, it can lead to serious deficiencies during pregnancy. For those who abstain from dairy consumption due to health reasons or lifestyle choices, green vegetables and soy can serve as a rich source of calcium.

Nuts

Packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and essential fatty acids, nuts are considered to be a superfood for good reason. While a healthy dose of nuts is recommended for everyone, it is all the more essential when preparing for conception as the EFAs and antioxidants found in nuts play a vital role in hormone production, which in turn determines your chances of getting pregnant.