Did you know that what’s happening in your body months before you get pregnant is important to the outcome of your pregnancy? Your health during this delicate period not only determines if you’ll successfully conceive and carry the pregnancy to full term but also, it has an impact on your baby’s health.
So, how much do you know about the preconception period?
Your doctor – your best friend!
How long your body needs to prepare for pregnancy depends on your current health status, so, a check-up at your doctor’s office is crucial. Whether this is your first child or you’ve given birth previously, before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about your intentions.
It’s important to discuss your health history and any medical conditions you currently have that could affect a pregnancy. Your doctor will also need to look into any previous pregnancy problems, medicines that you are currently taking, vaccinations that you might need, and steps you can take before pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects.
If you currently have any medical conditions, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, thyroid disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), seizure disorders, high blood pressure, arthritis or even eating disorders, be sure to let your doctor know about it and get it treated.
Taking certain medicines during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. These include some prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal supplements. If you are planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the usage of any of these with your doctor before attempting to conceive and do not take any medicine that your doctor has not approved of.
Folic acid supplements
Folic acid is a B vitamin crucial for women of childbearing age. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least a month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine.
Ditch harmful habits
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and also using drugs can cause many problems during pregnancy for both mom and baby. These may include premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. It’s important to get help if you’re pregnant and are:
- finding it difficult to quit smoking
- have a drug addiction
- drinking problem
Talk to your doctor for he may be able to refer you to a local treatment center.
Some lesser-known risks
Toxic substances and other environmental contaminants and harmful materials at work or homes, such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray, and cat or rodent feces are all detrimental to human health. These substances can hurt the reproductive systems of men and women. They can also make it more difficult to get pregnant. Exposure to even small amounts of any of the above can have grave consequences to a pregnancy. Be wary of toxic substances at work and home and learn how to protect yourself from them.
Are you at your ideal weight?
Being overweight or obese places you at a higher risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). Underweight people are also at risk for serious health problems.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will require some changes in lifestyle and that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity. If you are overweight, or obese, talk with your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant.
Your family’s health history counts too!
Some illnesses are genetic and some are hereditary, so sharing your family’s health history information with your doctor is important. Based on the information you provide, your doctor might refer you for genetic counseling. Genetic counseling may also be needed if you’ve had several miscarriages, infant deaths, or if you find it difficult to conceive.
