Preparing for Pregnancy: Methods and Tips
Method 1: Nurture Your Body
Taking care of your body is essential for preparing for pregnancy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body is interconnected, and the health of one organ can affect the others. Therefore, it is important to focus on overall body balance rather than targeting specific organs. However, the liver, spleen, and kidneys have the most significant influence on female reproductive health. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to their care during preconception preparation.
The kidneys are considered the foundation of the body and play a vital role in reproduction and growth. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, it can lead to infertility or miscarriage. "Food is better than medicine" applies to kidney care as well. Some foods that are beneficial for kidney function include pig kidney, oysters, walnuts, sea cucumber, shrimp, bone marrow, black sesame, cherries, mulberries, and Chinese yam. Additionally, moderate exercise, a balanced sex life, and sufficient rest are also essential.
Method 2: Nourish Your Blood
Blood is the fundamental element of life and sustains the body's organs and functions. However, when there is blood deficiency or stagnation, it can negatively affect health. To nourish your blood, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, get enough rest, and engage in moderate exercise. Emotional self-regulation is also crucial as blood deficiency can lead to depression and anxiety, which, in turn, can further deplete blood. Foods with red or black pigmentation are believed to nourish the blood, such as mulberries, beef liver, lamb liver, carrots, black beans, red dates, brown sugar, and adzuki beans. It is also advisable to avoid excessive consumption of sweet, spicy, and extreme temperature foods as they can hinder digestion.
Method 3: Cultivate Your Spirit
According to traditional Chinese medicine, mental well-being plays a crucial role in overall health and fertility. It is important to maintain a calm and positive state of mind. Emotionally stable individuals have better immune function and metabolism. Negative emotions such as loneliness, sadness, and low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on physical health and can also affect fetal development. It is believed that the psychological state of parents can influence conception and the psychological development of the fetus.
Method 4: Cultivate Your Qi
"Qi" in traditional Chinese medicine refers to vital energy that flows through the body and sustains life. Insufficient Qi can lead to organ dysfunction and general weakness. To cultivate your Qi, it is important to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset. Long-term lack of sleep and rest can cause excessive fatigue and lead to headaches, insomnia, and irritability. It is important to have a balanced and nutritious diet. Foods that can help nourish Qi include beef, chicken, pork, glutinous rice, soybeans, white kidney beans, red dates, crucian carp, carp, quail, eel, shrimp, mushrooms, Chinese yam, and longan. It is advisable to avoid raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods.
Bad Habits to Avoid for Successful Pregnancy
1. Restricted or Unbalanced Diet
During pregnancy, it is important to consume a balanced diet to provide the necessary nutrients for both the baby's development and the mother's needs. Particularly during the first trimester, when the embryo is rapidly developing, the demand for nutrients and trace elements increases. Restricting or unbalancing the diet can lead to deficiencies and negatively impact the baby's health.
2. Consumption of Junk Food
Recent studies have shown that trans fats found in junk food can increase the risk of infertility in women by more than 70%. It is important to avoid or limit the consumption of junk food during preconception and pregnancy.
3. Irregular Sleep Patterns
Irregular sleep patterns can negatively impact overall health and pregnancy. Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and irritability. It is important to establish a regular sleep routine for better health and fertility.
4. Lack of Exercise
Regular exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. Engaging in moderate exercise before pregnancy can enhance fertility. However, it is important to avoid excessive exercise as it can lead to bodily harm and have adverse effects.
