If you’re thinking of starting a family or even to have another baby, it’s never too early to prepare your body for it. This is called preconception health care and it focuses on things you can do in preparation for pregnancy.
What takes place in your body a few months before you conceive is crucial to the outcome of your pregnancy. The healthier you are during this period, the better your chances of successfully conceiving, carrying out the pregnancy to full term, and giving birth to a healthy baby.
So what exactly is preconception health care all about?
Consulting with your doctor
For some women, getting their body ready for pregnancy takes a few months. For other women, it might take longer. Whether this is your first child or you’ve given birth previously, before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about preconception health care.
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 currently are 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 medication with your doctor before attempting to conceive and do not take any medicine that your doctor has not approved of.
Take 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 the baby’s brain and spine.
Put out the ciggies and ditch the alcohol
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and also using drugs can cause many problems during pregnancy for both mom and baby. These can include such as 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 or drinking problem. Talk to your doctor for he may be able to refer you to a local treatment center.
Toxic substances and environmental contaminants
Toxic substances and other environmental contaminants 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.
The importance of a healthy 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.
Know your family’s health history
Some illnesses are genetic and some are hereditary, so sharing your family’s health history information with your doctor can be 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.
