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Preparing for Pregnancy: Get a Pre-pregnancy Checkup

It's an exciting time in life when you've decided that you’re ready to start trying for a baby. But since pregnancy can be taxing on your physical health, it's best to check in with your well woman care provider about the status of your current health before you begin trying to conceive. Many OB/GYN clinics offer preconception checkups. Even if you don't go in for a checkup, you should still consider your overall health.

Five aspects to consider include:

1. Chronic Medical Conditions: If you have any chronic medical conditions, particularly diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, a seizure disorder, or asthma, you need to be sure that your condition is being properly managed before you become pregnant to prevent adverse effects on you or your baby. You should check in with your doctor to ensure that you’re both healthy and that any medications you may be taking are compatible with pregnancy.

1. Medications and Supplements: If you take any regular medications, nutritional supplements, or herbs, you should check in with your doctor to ensure that these substances are compatible with pregnancy. While you make think of herbs or supplements as being safe, some of these can adversely affect your pregnancy or your baby. Many medications can be taken during pregnancy, and if they can't, they may have a safer and equally effective counterpart.

1. Weight and Physical Activity: You should aim to have a normal body weight before getting pregnant. Both being overweight or underweight can have adverse health effects for you and your baby. If you are overweight, you may want to allow yourself up to a year to safely lose weight before becoming pregnant. You should talk to your pregnancy doctor to devise a plan that can help you successfully lose weight.

All women, regardless of their weight, should aim for half an hour of daily physical activity while pregnant. If you currently don't meet this fitness goal, you might want to start walking before you conceive.

1. Diet and Prenatal Vitamins: When you become pregnant, you will be nourishing not only your own body but also that of your baby's developing body. Making sure you have all the essential vitamins and minerals required to keep you both healthy is imperative. You should strive to incorporate low-fat proteins and dairy products, whole grains, and as many fruits and vegetables into your diet as you can.

While your diet is the best way to incorporate the necessary nutrients into your diet, you should also take a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid, calcium, and iron- all nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy. If you have questions about your diet or prenatal vitamins, you should contact your pregnancy use.

1. Substance Use: If you smoke or are reliant on alcohol or drugs, you need to address these substance addictions before you consider becoming pregnant. Smoking while pregnant can have lifelong effects on your baby. The negative effects caused by smoking, drinking or drug use begin culminating as early as the first trimester. Even the occasional drink during pregnancy is not recommended.

Addressing your health before you become pregnant can greatly reduce many risks associated with pregnancy and birth, and health risks for your baby. If you have concerns about your current health, you should contact your pregnancy doctor in order to schedule an appointment prior to conception.

 

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