Experts give you a complete lowdown on what you need to do both physically and mentally before you conceive.

Juggling their professional and personal lives, women around the world are stressed. Reportedly, in a bid to conceive, 42-year-old singer Janet Jackson has decided to take time off from her music career to soothe her mind with some music.

Actor, doctor and mother of two, Aditi Govitrikar made several lifestyle changes before she conceived her second child. She says, “I decided to slow down; I did yoga and also listened to music.” She suggests you should get together with other women who are also planning to get pregnant to discuss happy things and think positively.

One of the primary things a woman can do after deciding to have a baby is to take some time off work. Clinical psychologist Seema Hingorrany says that one’s mind has to be tuned to the fact that the body is ready for childbearing. “This is a time when hormones can run amuck. You should leave behind the worldly worries, and can even head for an exotic location to conceive your child and spend some quality time with your spouse,” she adds.

Dr Bindu Gohil, gynaecologist and clinical associate, says that it is compulsory to pay a visit to your doctor after deciding to get pregnant. She explains, “Today, people are opting for late marriages, and hence delayed pregnancies. If a woman is older than 35 years, complications are bound to occur and they need to undergo a thorough counselling process.” Often motherhood at advanced ages can arise in complications due to polycystic ovarian problems and endometriosis. Dr Gohil also says that diabetes and obesity can also create  serious issues.

She suggests a series of regular and specific tests to be conducted before deciding whether it is safe for the body to bear a child. She says, “A lot of young women go for the anorexic look. When they decide to have a child, it is necessary to conduct tests to confirm anaemia, haemoglobin levels and physical immunity levels. A woman should take folic acid supplements at least three months before she wants to start a family,” she advises.

Fitness expert Zareen Watson feels that an all-round fitness level is a must. Both obese and anorexic women need to work on their bodies before getting pregnant. She says, “While it is very important for obese women to lose weight in a gradual process, it is also important not to go into a starvation mode. It should be a target to lose at least two pounds each week.” She also adds that anorexic women should watch unhealthy food habits, and have food with high nutrition value.”
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