When it comes to healthy, successful pregnancies, it’s not just about taking good care of yourself during pregnancy. Your body has to be prepared for it months ahead! This is what we mean by preconception care, but unfortunately, very few women realise this or take heed of it.
We’ve all heard of miscarriages, stillbirths, babies born with birth defects, problematic pregnancies, etc. Many of these cases could have been avoided if the mother had paid due attention to her body at least six months prior to getting pregnant, especially if she had a health issue to deal with.
The condition of your body may influence your entire pregnancy
Regardless if you have given birth before, or, if it’s going to be your first pregnancy, it’s important to know about what’s going on in your body, especially if you have a health issue, or if you have not been practicing a healthy lifestyle. Your current health status is the main determining factor on how long it will take for your body to be in its best shape for a healthy, successful pregnancy.
You may have given birth before, but keep in mind that it does not mean that you can take things for granted. Your body is always changing – some for the better and some not. The wisest first step to take is to pay a visit to your doctor for a check-up and let him/her know that you intend to conceive. Your health history and medical conditions are crucial information that your doctor needs to know, for these may affect your 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.
Preconception care and the intake of folic acid
Due to hectic lifestyles and busy schedules, many women today don’t pay enough attention to what they eat – hence their diet may not contain the nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy. One of the main nutrients that women need, even way before she conceives a child, is acid folic (or folate as it’s known in its natural form). Folic acid is a B vitamin that needs to be taken, ideally beginning from a few months before conceiving, and during pregnancy. A deficiency in this nutrient may result in major birth defects of a newborn baby’s brain and spine.
Foods rich in folate include:
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Wheatgerm
- Nuts and seeds
- Citrus fruits
- Legumes.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets these foods into their daily diets This is why folic acid, which is the synthetic form of folate, was created, and hence foods that people ate a lot of, such as bread, flour, pasta, orange juice, and cereals are fortified with it. While this initiative was intended to help people consume more folic acid, countless women still don’t get enough of this crucial nutrient. This is why a folic acid supplement is routinely offered to women as soon as their pregnancy is confirmed.
Note on folic acid
Discuss your intentions of getting pregnant with your doctor months before even trying for a baby, and your doctor will probably suggest that you start taking folic acid supplements. It is, after all, paramount for preconception care.
Don’t hide your family history from your doctor
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. Your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This will include:
- Medical conditions you currently have that could affect a pregnancy
- Previous pregnancy problems
- Medicines that you are currently taking
- Vaccinations that you might need
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Arthritis
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs),
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Seizure disorders
- High blood pressure
- Eating disorders
Smoking and alcohol consumption prior to conception
Let’s face it – nothing good ever came out of habits that harm our health, such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, or using drugs, and this is regardless if you intend to conceive or not! If you do intend to get pregnant however, these habits can have disastrous effects on your entire pregnancy health, and not mention, the health of your innocent baby! We’re talking premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.
Addictions are not easy to deal with, and we fully understand that. But if you’re looking to become pregnant, you must address a current harmful addiction way before you try for a baby!
Talk to your doctor for advice if you intend to conceive, or are pregnant and:
- finding it difficult to quit smoking
- have a drug addiction o
- have an alcohol drinking problem
You may think some things are safe, but…
Some women make the mistake of taking certain medicines or supplements that they think are harmless in pregnancy, when in fact, they may 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. In matters such as these, it’s totally in your hands to do the right thing.
Other risks to know about before trying for a baby
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.
Does your weight matter?
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.
