If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, or even if there is a possibility that you could become pregnant, you should access your health ASAP. Going into a pregnancy in the best possible health can make a huge income on the health of your baby and the health of yourself throughout pregnancy and even afterward. I don’t know how many obstetricians and pregnancy experts that I have spoken with who say that they wish more patients would seek out a health assessment and care before getting pregnant.
Accessing your health before you get pregnant not only helps you identify and treat any possible health issues, but it can help you get started with the right vitamins, diet and exercise. Current medications that you are on many need to be switched to different one that will not negatively affect your baby or pregnancy.
Check in with your doctor at least three months before you are planning to conceive. At this visit, expect to review your health history, as well as your family health history. You doctor may have some specific recommendations for you or tests that he or she wishes for you to take.
You can also catch up on any vaccinations that you might need. Getting ill during pregnancy can have devastating results. Adults sometimes need booster shots because immunity to some disease does not last forever. I found this out when I was pregnant with my third child and tests indicated that I was no longer immune to measles.
Your doctor may recommend that you lose weight to reduce the risks of preterm delivery and other conditions. If you smoke, your doctor can help you create a plan to quit now.
Meanwhile, you will probably be prescribed or be told to take prenatal vitamins. Women who are planning a pregnancy should be getting at least 400 micrograms of folate each day to prevent neural tube defects. The neural tube will start to form in you baby even before you realize you are pregnant.
Related Articles:
Parents Who Regret Their Baby’s Name