Whether you are actively planning to get pregnant or not, prior attention to conception during its years of maternity is essential. Approximately half of all pregnancies in this country are not planned. Unplanned pregnancies have a higher risk of premature delivery and babies with low birth weight.
Prior attention to conception means taking care of your body and mind during the period you can have a child. Everyone can benefit from this healthy lifestyle. So, if you are trying to have a baby or simply have an idea that you want in the future, here are some things that you should focus.
Way to the best health
The following are important steps to help you prepare for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Upload your folic acid. Folic acid is a vitamin B that use our bodies to make new cells. Folic acid is especially important in times such as pregnancy when cells divide and grow rapidly. Obtaining adequate folic acid can help prevent two common and very serious defects: spine bifida and anencephaly. Both occur as soon as 3 to 4 weeks after conception, which is before many women know they are pregnant.
- Anencephaly It is when a baby is born without the front of the brain (prosentephalon) and the part of the thought and coordination of the brain (brain). The remaining parts of the brain are often not covered by bone or skin.
- Bifida spine It can happen if the spine that protects the spinal cord is not formed and closed correctly. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. It can cause physical and intellectual disabilities that vary from mild to severe.
The US Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all women of fertile age (between 15 and 45 years) consume 0.4 mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid every day.
Schedule a previous check. It is important to control chronic conditions before becoming pregnant. Identifying them now can help increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Your visit must include discussions of:
- Your medical and family history. If you have certain conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, seizure disorders or maternal phenylcetonuria, you must learn how to handle them during their pregnancy.
- Any vaccine or reinforcement that may need. Some vaccines can be administered during pregnancy, but rubella vaccines (German measles) and chickenpox (chickenpox) must be administered before getting pregnant.
- All free and prescription medications it takes. This includes vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Certain medications can cause severe birth defects, so be sure to mention everything you are taking.
Stop smoking, vaping, using marijuana and drinking alcohol. All this can increase the risk of premature delivery, NTD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and children’s sudden death syndrome (SMSL). If you need help to stop, talk to your medical care provider about what types of support are in your area. You can also call 1-800-QUQU-NOW (784-8669) to connect to the «smoking line» of your status. To obtain help with drug abuse, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) provides references to local treatment facilities, support groups and community organizations. Having support in your place will increase your chances of quitting smoking.
Get to healthy weight. Being overweight can make it more difficult to conceive. It also increases its risk of certain problems during pregnancy, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, death and increased possibilities of needing cesarean section. Eliminating weight before getting pregnant can help improve your chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby.
The adult of the centers for disease control and prevention Body mass index calculator (BMI) It can help you determine your BMI and discover if you are in the healthy range. Always speak with your doctor about the best way to achieve your weight loss goals.
Stay away from certain fish. Some fish, which include swordfish, fish, macked king and shark, contain a metal called methylmercury. Exposure can be harmful to a development fetus. If you regularly eat these fish, methylmercury can accumulate in its bloodstream. Stay away from these four fish while thinking about getting pregnant.
Other fish and cooked shellfish are fine if you eat a variety of different types of fish. Choose up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) per week of fish and shellfish that are lower in methylmercury. These include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, chicken and catfish. Keep in mind that Albacore tuna («white») has more methylmercury than canned «light» tuna. Then, when choosing your 2 meals, you can eat up to 6 ounces of Albacore tuna per week.
Things to consider
Genetic advice can be something you want to think about whether certain conditions are executed in your family or in your partner’s family. He will also want to know if a family member was born with a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder or cancer. Other reasons to see a genetic advisor include having had trouble getting pregnant, experiencing several involuntary abortions, children’s deaths or a birth defect with an earlier pregnancy. Or if you or your partner are over 35 years old.
A genetic counselor can meet with you to discuss potential genetic risks. In his appointment, he will discuss his history of doctors, family and pregnancy. The counselor will explain why genetic conditions may be at risk at risk depending on their history and recommend evidence that can help diagnose any condition. Once you collect all the information, you and your partner can make an informed decision on whether genetic tests are suitable for you.
Questions for your doctor
- What kind of vitamins should I take that include enough folic acid?
- Is there any food that should not eat while trying to get pregnant?
- Is there any activity that should not do while trying to get pregnant?
- Could any of my current health conditions affect my pregnancy?
- Could any of my story (STDs, spontaneous abortions, abortions) affect my future pregnancy?
- When should I stop using contraceptives?
Resources
National Health Institutes, Medlineplus: steps to take before getting pregnant
