10 Important Things to Consider in Planning a Pregnancy

Every married couple who wants to have children is important to plan their pregnancy carefully. This is to prevent various pregnancy problems in the future. What are the things to do when preparing for pregnancy? Check out the full explanation below.

Things to Look For When Planning a Pregnancy

Basically, planning for pregnancy aims to prepare a healthy body for the fetus, prevent birth defects, and prevent other pregnancy problems.

The following are the steps to start planning a pregnancy, including:

1. Consult a doctor

Before starting a pregnancy, it would be nice to consult with your obstetrician about preconception health care. Your doctor will discuss your medical history and medical conditions, and how they might affect your pregnancy.

The doctor will also likely discuss problems with previous pregnancies, medications you are taking, vaccinations that may be needed, and steps you can take before pregnancy to help prevent birth defects.

Be sure to consult with your doctor about the following:

If you have any medical conditions, you should make sure they are under control and treated properly. Some of these conditions include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other chronic diseases.

Discuss your lifestyle with your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol frequently, or use certain medications. Also tell your doctor if you live in a stressful environment, or work with or live in an area exposed to toxic substances.

Your doctor may be able to help you with counselling, treatment and other support services.

Most pregnant women may be advised to take medication before and during pregnancy. However, consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Be sure to discuss things with your doctor. This includes all medications you take, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins.

Doctors will usually recommend vaccination before, during pregnancy, or immediately after delivery. Getting vaccinated at the right time can help keep your body healthy and prevent your baby from becoming seriously ill or having health problems that will last a lifetime.

2. Visit the Dentist

Pregnancy can increase your risk of developing gum disease, a health problem that also makes it more likely for a baby to be born prematurely.

So, it’s important to visit the dentist and keep your teeth clean by diligently brushing your teeth, using dental floss (dental floss), and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash every day.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Women who are overweight are at increased risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. People who are underweight are also at risk for serious illness.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, make lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

4. Take Folic Acid Supplements

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is usually used by women when trying to get pregnant. All women who want to get pregnant are even required to consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

In addition to supplements, it is recommended to consume foods with folate content from various foods. This is to help prevent some of the major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

Also Read: 11 Characteristics of a Healthy Pregnancy You Should Know

5. Eating Healthy Food

Eating a balanced diet before and during pregnancy is not only good for overall health, but is also very important for nourishing the fetus.

It’s best to increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein. Stay away from processed and fatty foods, and limit your caffeine intake to no more than one to two cups of coffee per day.

6. Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Use of Certain Drugs

The habit of smoking, drinking alcohol, or using certain drugs can cause various problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and even fetal death.

If you are trying to get pregnant and are unable to stop drinking alcohol, smoking or using drugs, consult your doctor immediately to get the right directions.

7. Avoid Toxic Substances and Environmental Pollution

When starting a pregnancy program, avoid harmful chemicals, pollution and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizers, pesticides and animal waste.

These substances can damage the male and female reproductive systems, making it more difficult to get pregnant. Even if exposure is minimal during pregnancy, the substance can cause illness in infancy, childhood, or puberty.

8. Get Enough Sleep

Adequate sleep time can even help women get pregnant faster. Conversely, people who are sleep deprived tend to have more problems with regular ovulation than those who sleep enough. Therefore, increase your sleep time for at least 7-8 hours a day.

Also Read: 6 Pregnancy Processes that Couples Need to Know

9. Maintain Mental Health

Mental health is the way we think, feel, and act when we face the bittersweet of life. In order to have a good mentality, it’s important to feel good about your life and respect yourself.

Everyone sometimes has feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness, or stress. However, if these feelings don’t go away and interfere with your daily life, you should seek professional help, maybe a psychologist or psychiatrist.

10. Learn Family Health History

Some genetic disorders in families can be passed from parents to their children. Examples are sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, and cystic fibrosis.

The gene that causes genetic disorders can be identified with a blood test before pregnancy. So, consult your doctor about genetic screening before trying to conceive.

That’s a series of pregnancy plans that you need to pay attention to so that the mother and fetus stay healthy. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!

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