Submitted by Dele Ogunleye, MD, Advanced Women’s Healthcare
Are you thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future? If so, you should give some consideration to your preconception health. Preconception health focuses on taking steps now to lower the chances of developing problems during pregnancy and increase the chances of having a healthy baby. However, all women can benefit from preconception health because part of preconception health is getting and staying healthy throughout your life. In addition, no one expects an unplanned pregnancy, but it happens often. In fact, about half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned. Whether this is your first, second, or sixth baby, the following are important steps to help you get ready for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
See Your Doctor
You should see your doctor before getting pregnant to discuss your personal and family medical history; your current health; any medication or supplements that you are taking (some may be unsafe during pregnancy); vaccinations; stopping a hormonal method of birth control; any medical conditions you have that could affect a pregnancy; and, answer any other questions. The person that will be providing your pre-natal care and delivering your baby is someone that you’ll be seeing quite often once you are pregnant and they will be part of one of the most important events in your life, so be certain that whoever you choose it is someone you are comfortable with and whose philosophy of care is compatible with your views on labor and delivery.
Pay Attention to Nutrition and Supplements
Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before conception. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. You can also take a regular or prenatal multivitamin, just be sure that it contains 400 mcg of folic acid. These supplements can be purchased at any drugstore, but it’s always best to check with your health care provider about the specific supplements to take. While everyone should always strive to make good food choices — plenty of fruits and vegetables, limited processed food, lean protein, and whole grains — it’s especially important now so that your body will have the nutrients you need.
Stop Drinking Alcohol, Smoking, and Using Street Drugs
These habits can cause many problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. If you’re sure you aren’t pregnant, then moderate drinking (one drink a day for women) is okay. But once you are pregnant — or think you might be — even a small amount of alcohol may have adverse affects. No level of smoking or secondhand smoke is safe. There aren’t any conclusive studies that indicate what level of caffeine is too much and what level is safe. The general recommendation is to have no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is the amount in a cup of coffee. Most certainly, you should avoid large amounts of caffeine, and remember that tea, soda, many other drinks, and some medications also contain significant amounts of caffeine.
Avoid Toxic Substances and Environmental Contaminants
Synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray, solvents, some cleaning products, and cat or rodent feces can hurt the reproductive systems of men and women and may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Exposure to even small amounts during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood, can lead to disease. The fetus is vulnerable to developing certain problems 17–56 days after conception. Prenatal health care, which usually begins in weeks 11 or 12 of pregnancy, may be too late to prevent these problems. This is particularly true in the case of certain prescription drugs that are known to cause birth defects and hazardous substances in the workplace and home. If you color your hair, you may want to consider the maintenance involved. It’s not proven that hair coloring is unsafe during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to limit the exposure to these chemicals, especially in the first trimester.
Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Women who are overweight often have a more difficult labor and delivery in addition to a higher risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. People who are underweight are also at risk for health problems. Getting to a healthy weight before getting pregnant — by making lifestyle changes that include healthy eating and exercise — will get you off to the best start. If you already have a regular exercise routine, good for you! Women who are physically fit generally have an easier pregnancy and recovery period. If you don’t have a fitness plan, now is the time to start! There are plenty of resources to help you get started with an exercise routine.
Preconception health is important for every woman — not just those planning pregnancy. It means living well, being healthy, and feeling good about your life. Once you are pregnant, be sure to keep up healthy habits and see your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy for prenatal care.
Dele Ogunleye, MD, provides a full range of obstetric and gynecologic services. He is sub-specialized in urogynecology so he has particular expertise in treating pelvic floor disorders. In addition, his office includes the services of Gretchen Dean, a physical therapist specially trained to treat women who suffer from PFD. You may contact Dr. Ogunleye at Advanced Women’s Healthcare at 309-808-3068 or www.awhcare.com. His office is located at 2111 East Oakland Avenue (next to the Jewel-Osco Plaza).
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