If you are considering planning for pregnancy or are already trying to conceive, it’s time to focus on preconception health.
Preconception health involves planning doctor visits before and between pregnancies, with the main goal being the birth of a healthy newborn. The preparatory period is individual for each woman and can last from a few weeks to several months. Regardless of whether this is your first pregnancy or not, it is important to go through the following stages:
Schedule a visit with your doctor
Your doctor will review your medical history and any conditions that may affect your pregnancy and fetal development. Special attention should be given to:
The specifics of previous pregnancies and births and possible complications;
Any medications you were taking or currently take;
Vaccination status and timely administration of necessary vaccinations.
Medical conditions
It is important that the patient is under the supervision of licensed medical personnel or has been treated for the following conditions:
Sexually transmitted infections;
Diabetes;
Thyroid diseases;
Arterial hypertension and other chronic pathologies.
Lifestyle and harmful habits
It is essential to discuss with your doctor:
The use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or other harmful substances;
The intake of various types of medications;
Stressful environments;
Contact with toxic substances.
Your doctor will help you address these issues and advise you on appropriate psycho-social and medical services.
Medications
Certain medications taken before or during pregnancy can cause fetal developmental anomalies. If you are planning for pregnancy, be sure to discuss this matter with your doctor.
It is especially important for patients who are taking opioid medications — risk assessments are necessary, and creating conditions for a healthy pregnancy is essential.
Vaccination
Before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or postpartum, specific vaccinations are recommended to protect both the mother and newborn’s health to the fullest extent.
Make sure to discuss vaccination with your doctor and schedule their administration promptly if needed.
Folic acid
Take 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
This is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects. It is recommended to start taking folic acid one month before planning for pregnancy.
Eliminating harmful substances
Stop consuming alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
They increase the risk of premature childbirth and sudden infant death syndrome. Seek help from a doctor if necessary.
Avoiding toxic environments
Toxic chemical substances (heavy metals, chemical compounds, fertilizers, insect and rodent control products) negatively affect reproductive systems and the progression of pregnancy.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Being overweight and obesity can become risk factors for both infertility and cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Also, in the case of pregnancy, being overweight increases the likelihood of obstetric complications.
Weight deficiency is also a risk factor.
To maintain a healthy weight, proper nutrition and regular physical activity are recommended.
Family history
Family history plays a significant role in the health of both mother and child. If different diseases are recorded in the family, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. A consultation with a geneticist and relevant tests may be necessary.
Psychological preparation
Preparing for pregnancy also involves the psychological aspect. Seek a specialist for consultation if necessary.
The Jordan Clinic offers all the aforementioned services in one place and wishes you a healthy and peaceful pregnancy!