Before You're Pregnant
Many women are already four weeks pregnant by the time they have the slightest clue... ie: that little plus sign in the window; breast changes; or nausea.
That's why it's important to consider your health before you get pregnant. The March of Dimes, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing birth defects and premature birth, recommends taking a multivitamin with at least 40 micrograms of folic acid (also called a prenatal vitamin) and getting a pre-pregnancy check-up.
Also on the list are the obvious; eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, follow a regular exercise plan, don't smoke, avoid alcohol, and absolutely no illegal drugs. The one recommendation that may elude you is "avoiding stress". It can be a very stressful time for couples as they "work" at getting pregnant. You and your partner may need to seek advice from your doctor, a therapist, or fertility specialist about ways to keep stress levels down.
If you are overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher you may want to tackle your weight issues before you get pregnant. Overweight and underweight women (BMI under 20) have a harder time getting pregnant according to recent health studies. Your health care professional can help you get on the right track to reaching a healthy weight.
Knowing your family history is also important before pregnancy. If you have genetic disorders in your family tree, or your partner's, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, or other bleeding disorders, your health care provider should know right away. You may want to talk to a genetic specialist or consider special testing once you become pregnant. A history of premature births in your family for instance, can be vital information for your doctor.
Many doctors recommend that women who have not become pregnant after one year of trying, or six months in women over 30, should consult with a fertility specialist.
Many women are already four weeks pregnant by the time they have the slightest clue... ie: that little plus sign in the window; breast changes; or nausea.
That's why it's important to consider your health before you get pregnant. The March of Dimes, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing birth defects and premature birth, recommends taking a multivitamin with at least 40 micrograms of folic acid (also called a prenatal vitamin) and getting a pre-pregnancy check-up.
Also on the list are the obvious; eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, follow a regular exercise plan, don't smoke, avoid alcohol, and absolutely no illegal drugs. The one recommendation that may elude you is "avoiding stress". It can be a very stressful time for couples as they "work" at getting pregnant. You and your partner may need to seek advice from your doctor, a therapist, or fertility specialist about ways to keep stress levels down.
If you are overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher you may want to tackle your weight issues before you get pregnant. Overweight and underweight women (BMI under 20) have a harder time getting pregnant according to recent health studies. Your health care professional can help you get on the right track to reaching a healthy weight.
Knowing your family history is also important before pregnancy. If you have genetic disorders in your family tree, or your partner's, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, or other bleeding disorders, your health care provider should know right away. You may want to talk to a genetic specialist or consider special testing once you become pregnant. A history of premature births in your family for instance, can be vital information for your doctor.
Many doctors recommend that women who have not become pregnant after one year of trying, or six months in women over 30, should consult with a fertility specialist.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
