8 things to keep in mind if you're planning a pregnancy

Even if you're just considering pregnancy, these are the steps you should take to ensure a smooth term and a healthy baby down the line.

Preconception health isn't a well known area of health, but it's actually vital to the well-being of your future baby. It can take a few months to get your body ready. It's never too early to start planning ahead. Here's how:

When you start considering having a child with your partner, visit your doctor. Discuss preconception health and give the doctor your full family and personal medical history. Your gynaecologist needs to know everything—even the most insignificant details—as even the smallest detail could affect your pregnancy.

It goes without saying that drinking and smoking during pregnancy are out of the question. What most women don't know, however, is that it's also vital to stop smoking and consuming alcohol during the preconception months. The earlier you stop, the sooner you'll be ready for a pregnancy.

The importance of eating well, long before you even start trying for a baby. Although it might not help you conceive, it will prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy down the line.

Aiming for a reasonable healthy weight during the preconception months is highly advised. Being underweight or overweight can affect your hormones, making it harder to conceive. Decide on a balanced diet and get your body to a healthy weight as soon as possible.

Folic acid is a type of vitamin B found in green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits. It plays a very important role in cell growth and it's available in tablet form as well.

Avoid contact with anything toxic, such as bug sprays, fertilizers, synthetic chemicals and other substances that might damage your reproductive system. Even slight exposure during pregnancy can lead to sickness. During the preconception months, you should try to keep the exposure to a minimum as well.

It's important to focus on treating your mind just as well as your body, but especially during your preconception months. If you're planning a pregnancy, take some time to look after yourself and establish how you feel about life and becoming a mother in general.

Staying fit when planning a pregnancy is just as important as regular visits to your doctor. Stay active without overdoing it—walk, cycle, swim, dance in moderation. Light aerobic exercise will help with back problems and swelling, not to mention it will make it easier to keep a healthy weight while pregnant.

Preconception health is very important and it's never too early to start getting your body and mind ready for a healthy pregnancy and an even healthier baby. So keep these things in mind when planning ahead and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.