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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