Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Preconception

Get a preconception checkup.
You don't have to choose a prenatal practitioner yet, but it would be a good idea to see your gynecologist as soon as possible for a good medical attention through your pregnancy. An exam that you will be having on your checkup will pick up any medical problems that need to be corrected and will need to be monitored during pregnancy. Plus, the doctor will be able to steer you away from medications that are not prescribed/good for you to take.
Make sure you/your:
  • immunizations are up to date
  • talk to you about your weight
  • diet
  • drinking habits
  • lifestyle habits
  • preconception issues

Start looking for a prenatal practitioner.
It is easier to start looking for your obstetrician or midwife now. If you're going to stick with your regular ob-gyn, then you've got a good health on your pregnancy monitored. Otherwise, ask around and take your time in picking the practitioner who's right for you and for your baby.

Visit your dentist.
A visit to the dentist before you get pregnant is almost as important as a visit to the doctor. That's because your future pregnancy can affect your mouth--and your mouth can possibly affect your future pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can actually aggravate gum and tooth problems.

Get tested.
While you're seeing all your doctors and checking out all your histories, ask if you can get a head start on some of the tests and health workups every pregnant woman receives. Most are as easy as getting a blood test to look for.

if you have/found out that you have any infections:
Get treated.
If any test turns up a condition that requires treatment, make sure you take care of it before trying to conceive. Now is the time, too, to be treated for any gynecological conditions that might interfere with fertility or pregnancy.

Including:
  • Cysts or any other tumors ( fibroid, uterine polyps)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Urinary Tract Infection (which is some pregnant woman that I know has this)
  • Any other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis
  • Endometriosis (when the cells that ordinarily line the uterus spread elsewhere in the body)
  • An STD
Update your immunizations.
If you haven't had a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster in the past 10 years, have one now.

Get ready to toss your birth control.
Ditch that last package of condoms and throw out your diaphragm (you'll have to be refitted after pregnancy anyway). If you're using birth control pills, the vaginal ring, or the patch, talk your game plan over with your practitioner.

Improve your diet.
You may not be eating for two yet, but it's never too early to start eating well for the baby you're planning to make. Most important: Getting your folic acid. Not only does getting enough folic acid appear to boost fertility, but studies show that adequate intake of this vitamin in a woman's diet before she conceives and early in her pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects and preterm birth.


Where can I find Folic Acid?
Whole grains (contains natural folic acid)
Green leafy vegetables
Prenatal Supplement (containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid)


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