Being emotionally ready for pregnancy may mean you’re already committed to parenthood, but is your body prepared for the journey? For a healthy pregnancy you should schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor. You will more than likely discuss the following topics.
Are you taking any type of birth control?
If you’ve been taking birth control pills, your doctor may recommend taking a break before trying to conceive. This will allow your reproductive system to go through several normal cycles – which will make it easier to more accurately determine when ovulation occurred and establish an expected due date.
Are you immune to certain diseases?
Infections such as chickenpox and German measles can cause serious disease for your unborn baby. If you are not immune to these infections, your doctor may suggest being vaccinated at least one month before you try to conceive.
Do you have any chronic conditions?
If you have diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or any other chronic medical conditions – you’ll need to make sure it’s under control before you conceive. Speak to your doctor about any special care you may need during your pregnancy.
What is your family history?
Sometimes family history – either your’s or your partner’s – increases the risk of having a child with certain conditions or birth defects. If genetic disorders are a concern, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor for a preconception assessment.
Are you taking any medications and supplements?
Always tell your doctor about any medications, herbs or supplements you’re taking. He or she may recommend changing doses or stopping them completely before you conceive.
This is also the time to begin taking a prenatal vitamin. Make sure it includes folic acid, a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects in early pregnancy. Before conception and during pregnancy, you’ll need 1 milligram (1,000 micrograms) of folic acid a day.
What is your age?
If you are 35 or older, the risk of fertility problems, miscarriage and certain chromosomal disorders increases. Some pregnancy-related problems, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, are more common in older mothers as well. These risks can be discussed with your doctor who will help develop a plan to avoid any complications.
Have you had any previous pregnancies?
Your doctor will ask about previous pregnancies. Be sure to mention any complications you may have had, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects. Share any concerns or fears you may have about another pregnancy.
Do you lead a healthy lifestyle?
Healthy lifestyle choices will help give your baby the best start. You and your doctor should discuss healthy eating, exercising and how to keep stress under control. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. If you smoke, ask your doctor about resources to help you quit.
Include your partner
If possible, have your partner come to the preconception visit with you. He can answer questions about his family medical history and risk factors for infections or birth defects. Your partner’s health and lifestyle are important because they can affect you and your baby.
BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.
For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
