If you are planning for pregnancy, it’s important that you and your partner are as healthy as possible before you start trying. Also, it is necessary for you to undergo a preconception health check. A preconception health checkup includes checking your medical history and a general examination.
Planning For Pregnancy
Pre-requisites required when planning for pregnancy includes:
1. Make a Plan and Take Action
Generally, if you don’t want to get pregnant, you can use birth control methods to avoid pregnancy. However, now that you’re planning for pregnancy, it’s important to take proper steps to achieve your goal of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby!
2. See Your Doctor
During your visit to your healthcare professional, your doctor may discuss any previous pregnancy issues. Additionally, they may inquire about the medications you are currently taking and discuss any vaccinations you may require. It is also important to address steps you can take before pregnancy to mitigate the risk of certain birth defects.
Discuss the following with your healthcare provider:
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, or the use of certain drugs
- Living in a stressful or abusive environment
- Working with or being exposed to toxic substances
3. Intake 400 Micrograms Of Folic Acid Every Day
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Having enough folic acid in your body at least 1 month before and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects like anencephaly and spina bifida.
WHO recommendations:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pregnant women consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects. Further, this can be obtained from fortified foods or supplements, or a combination of the both. In addition, a varied diet rich in folate is recommended.
4. Say No To Alcohol, Smoking, And Using Certain Drugs
Alcohol, smoking, and certain drug use are known factors that can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. If you are actively trying to get pregnant, it is strongly advised to avoid from drinking alcohol, smoking, or using drugs to minimize the risk of these adverse outcomes.
5. Avoid Toxic Substances and Environmental Contaminants
Steer clear of harmful or chemical substances commonly found around the house, such as fertilizers, insecticides, and waste from cats or rodents.These substances can incapacitate the reproductive systems of men and women. They can make it more difficult to achieve pregnancy.
6. Reach And Maintain A Healthy Weight
Ultimately, maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about short-term changes. It’s about changing your lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity. Thus, if you have an issue with your BMI, talk with your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
7. Learn Your Family History
Your family’s medical history may certainly help you identify factors that might possibly affect your baby during infancy or childhood. Your ability/inability to become pregnant may also date back to your family history. Moreover, discussing such information with your doctor can be important when you are planning for pregnancy.
8. Get Mentally Healthy
Having a stable mental health and a stress free life is very important to achieve pregnancy.
To Sum Up
It is very important to talk to get medical support when you are planning for pregnancy. Therefore, reach us at Jeevan women care clinic as our doctors offer you the best advice when you are planning for pregnancy.
