Planning for Your Pregnancy

Planning for pregnancy is the process of preparation of a couple to conceiving of a healthy child.

Planning for pregnancy is the process of preparation of a couple to conceiving of a healthy child. It starts with a decision to give birth and includes a complete medical examination of both parents, as well as identification and treatment of diseases that may affect child's health or mother's ability to bear and deliver the baby.

Planning of pregnancy allows avoiding many health problems and increasing the chance of successful childbirth. In an ideal scenario, a future mother has to see a gynecologist, dentist, therapist and other doctors beforehand for preventing chronic illnesses. Moreover, it is necessary to undergo labs and an ultrasound examination.

Here are some recommendations a future mother should follow:

Consult a Doctor

If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult. The specialist will provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy. The gynecologist will give you the necessary prescriptions and recommendations, for example, to visit an endocrinologist or allergist. Try to stick to all doctor's tips to avoid complications during the childbearing.

Undergo Testing and Medical Examinations

Probably, your doctor will recommend you to undergo certain medical tests. The most important among them are a blood test (to identify a glucose level), urine test, antibodies test and ultrasound examination of pelvic organs. After consulting other doctors, you can undergo optional examinations as hormone blood panel or immunological testing. Besides, it is important to be vaccinated against such grave diseases as diphtheria, tetanus and rubella. Men also have to undergo some examinations as an STD test and spermogram.

Get Rid of Bad Habits

A couple has to give up smoking and drinking alcohol at least three months before the conception, as well as to reduce coffee consumption and follow a proper diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits. It should be taken into account that stressful situations are also contraindicated.

Lose Weight

If you have some problems with your weight, you have to lose a few extra kilos. Overweight can put your pregnancy at risk. Because of overweight, the blood pressure can increase, and then the progress of gestational diabetes becomes inevitable. It can harm the health of both mother and baby.

Take Vitamins

Doctors recommend taking vitamins with folic acid alongside adjusting nutrition because a future mother has to get iodine, vitamins A and D. But before taking it, you should consult your doctor and ask what and how to take.

Following all these recommendations will help you get prepared for the pregnancy and plan healthy childbearing.