|
Pre-Pregnancy Planning
Are you planning on getting pregnant soon? If so, you need to start planning a few months before you start trying to conceive. It’s very important that your body is strong and healthy before you actually get pregnant, to make sure your pregnancy is optimally healthy. The following are a few things you should think about before trying to get pregnant.
Diet-How well you eat is extremely important. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant should make sure they eat well balanced meals. Folic acid and calcium are both necessary for proper fetal development. Lack of folate can cause spina bifida in babies. Most doctors recommend that women take a prenatal multi vitamin for a few months before she actually plans on trying to conceive. If you are overweight, try to lose the weight before you plan on getting pregnant. The normal weight gain for a pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds. If you are overweight, they will encourage you to only gain 25 pounds. If you are underweight, usually the full 35 pounds is fine. Cut down on salty foods and avoid eating too many sweets. Include leafy green vegetables and plenty of fruit into your diet.
Exercise-An exercise regiment consisting of aerobic activity as well as strength training is good for all of us. However, it is not a good idea to start any type of rigorous exercise for the first time when you’re pregnant.
Have a check-up-Before you plan on becoming pregnant you should get a thorough physical exam by your primary care doctor as well as a pelvic exam and pap smear. It’s always better to catch any type of problem you may have before you get pregnant. For example, if you find out that you have high cholesterol, it’s better to try and lower it before you get pregnant.
Dental Work-Make sure you have any necessary dental work done before you plan on getting pregnant. Sometimes dental work requires that you have anesthesia therefore getting it done before your become pregnant is important. Also, changes in your body due to pregnancy can increase the chance of getting periodontal disease (gum disease). Making sure you are up to date on dental cleanings and dental work is crucial.
Eliminate any environmental hazards-Environmental hazards like pesticides and work place hazards can harm your unborn fetus. Stay away from unnecessary chemicals like lawn pesticides. Check your work place to make sure there are no hazards affecting you there. Make sure you have no exposure to chemicals or pollutants and that you have clean circulating air.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol a few months before you plan on getting pregnant. Smoking and drinking alcohol are dangerous to an unborn baby.
|
