Preparing for Pregnancy; Mentally, Physically and Spiritually

There is something very organic and anticipatory about planting a seed. The planter will make sure the soil is fertile and nutrient-rich, pliable and able to absorb water easily. The conditions have to be just right in order for the seed to sprout and take root. The plant then needs proper exposure to sunlight and air, receiving adequate water in order to continue growing and able to produce fruit. The fruit is the reward, the result of the labor intensive process of growth from a seed.

The same process can be applied to preparing for pregnancy. A seed is impregnated and a new life is forming inside the womb. The fruit of the seed is a new life, a brand new baby, a human being brought into the world.

"I want to get pregnant. I want a baby." The dream of many women is to have a baby and it's certainly one of life's grandest miracles. It helps for the woman to prepare herself not only physically, but mentally (emotionally) and spiritually. If in a relationship or marriage, the partner needs to be ready also, making preparations so that the conditions are as perfect as possible. I realize there are different lifestyles and methods of conception, and preparation is essential and beneficial for all involved. Are you ready to be pregnant? Are you ready to make a new life and be a mother and father?

The moment you know you are pregnant, your lives will change. You may sense it within you, or you may take one of the at home pregnancy tests (make sure your partner is with you to look at the results!), but once it's confirmed, you will feel and become more aware of your body and the changes taking place. The couple now prepares to become a family.

Even before pregnancy, it's important for both male and female to be eating nutrient-rich, healthy food. Physical exercise helps the body become stronger and allows more oxygenated blood to flow throughout the body. I like to equate it to the soil preparation for the seed. The healthier the soil, the better conditions there are for a healthy seed sprouting and growing properly. The healthier and stronger the male and female bodies are, the better chances for a fertile, successful impregnation and a healthy, growing fetus. The female body goes through enormous hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy and the stronger she is, the better prepared she will be for labor and birth and post recovery.

Physical preparation for the female includes taking a multi-vitamin that includes 400 mcg of folic acid. Make sure you are at a healthy weight and it is helpful to have a pre-pregnancy check-up. If the female smokes, it is best to stop smoking and refrain from illegal drugs and alcohol. Try to stay away from second-hand smoke. Avoid any harmful chemicals which can be present in cleaning products. Once a woman is pregnant, all of these pre-cautions are very important.

I think it helps for both partners to be ready mentally because it's the beginning of a new, exciting chapter in your lives. Start reading pregnancy books to learn as much as you can about the different stages. Learn how to prevent or relieve nausea. Begin to realize that pregnancy is only the beginning of this new chapter and make a commitment to do the very best possible to make the conditions of highest quality.

Start practicing letting go of perfectionist expectations if you tend to be a controlling type person. Every pregnancy is different. Control what you can control and do it well, but also learn how to relax your thoughts and it will help physically.

It is time to ask questions of yourself and your partner and discuss together what you think and how you feel. It helps to write down your answers as often writing reinforces our thoughts, or we read what we have written and see that it's really not what we feel. Above all, be honest.

• Why do you want a baby?
• Is your relationship ready for a pregnancy and new baby?
• How will it affect your career and educational goals?
• Do you and your partner agree on religious/spiritual matters in regard to how your child will be raised? If there are differences, have they been discussed thoroughly?
• Are you financially established and prepared?
• Will you stay home or need child care?
• Would you be ready for a special needs child or caring for a sick baby?
• Are you ready to give up leisure time or sleeping in?
• Do you enjoy spending time with children?
• Can you mentally picture yourself as a parent?

These are questions that will help assist you in preparing mentally for a pregnancy and the new life that you and your partner will create together.

Whether one believes in a godly power or not, there is a spiritual essence within every human being. It is part of who we are, the 'being' aspect of a human. Preparing spiritually is making the connection of creating a new life, the miracle of co-creating with your partner. The new baby will be made from both of you, sharing traits from your parents and grandparents. To attempt to understand the beginning of life is actually learning about and understanding our past generations, our ancestral lineage.

To create a new life is a continuation of the grand circle of life of which we are all a part. The couple together can consciously bring awareness to the the new life growing within. Touch and mental imagery, song, beautiful thoughts will help build awareness and connection between the partners and their growing baby. Preparing spiritually includes acceptance of the awesome joy and responsibility of contributing a new life to join humankind.

In preparing for pregnancy, both partners will feel better equipped to go through the different stages together. Communication is so important before pregnancy, because once it happens, your lives are changing and you want to be ready. Being mentally, physically and spiritually prepared as a couple can only help with the unpredictable nature of pregnancy. This preparation can strengthen your relationship as you prepare to enter the next chapter of your lives together.