March 7, 2022
So you’re ready to get pregnant. Congratulations!! Making the decision to try for a baby is a huge milestone in a woman’s life.
The Birth of a healthy baby to a healthy woman and family depends in part on a woman’s general health and well-being, before conception as well as in the amount and quality of prenatal care.
In our country most women visit a gynaecologist only when she becomes pregnant. As a result a lot of complications cannot be averted as it is too late.
1. Pre Conception Counselling
At least 3-6 months before you plan a pregnancy visit your gynaecologist. You can discuss about your periods, if you find it abnormal (Spotting, irregular periods) You can discuss about how to track your fertile (Ovulation) days.
If you are on certain medications for some diseases like epilepsy, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease she will switch you over to safer medications.
2. Pre – Natal Check ups
Your doctor will do certain pre-pregnancy check-ups by gathering your family history (diabetes, hypertension, genetic diseases)
Certain blood tests like haemoglobin (Hb), blood sugar, TSH (Thyroid test), pap smear and tests for STDS(Sexually transmitted diseases) will be done.
3. Stop contraception and start taking pre-natal multivitamins
You will have to stop using any kind of contraception (Condoms, birth control pills) if you want to be pregnant and start on folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
4. Regular Exercise
If you are overweight or obese, there are high chances of hormonal disturbances which can prevent ovulation. Lots of pregnancy complications are overcome if pre – pregnancy weight is normal.
5. Healthy diet
Eating healthy and keeping a close eye on what you eat will help to reduce a lot of pregnancy complications.
6. Cessation of smoking, alcohol and substance abuse
There is no such thing as safe amount of alcohol one can take during pregnancy, safest is avoid it. Smoking can reduce your ovarian function and there is increased chances of miscarriages and growth restriction in pregnancy.
7. Vaccination
If you are not vaccinated for Rubella, pre pregnancy is best time. Two doses of Covid- Vaccine should also be taken pre – pregnancy, although the Covid shots can be taken even during pregnancy.
8. Visit the Dentist
While you are getting all your check-ups its best to stop in to have your teeth looked at too. During pregnancy, the hormones in your body may affect your gums and teeth. Good brushing habits before pregnancy can help ward off gingivitis and cavities.
9. Regular Sex
If you don’t have any known fertility issues, don’t worry about timing sex at first. Instead have frequent unprotected sex throughout your cycle.
10. Get good sleep
May parents worry about sleep in the days after they bring their bundle of joy. But sleep during pregnancy can be just as illusive. Catch up on your ZZZ’s while you can.
Wishing you all a Happy Womens Day.