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9 Ways to Get Your Body Ready for Pregnancy
Also known as “preconception planning,” getting your body ready for pregnancy is incredibly important to ensuring a successful conception, pregnancy, and birth.
At The Association for Women's Health Care, we understand that you’re looking for the best in obstetric care, and that’s exactly what we provide you with when it comes to your preconception health.
To give you an idea of what you’ll want to discuss at your first appointment, here are nine ways to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Get your weight under control
You’ll want to do this for a couple of different reasons. For one, being overweight makes it difficult to conceive. It also affects the health of you and your baby during pregnancy. Being overweight while pregnant can lead to problems like premature birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure, among other health issues.
Make sure your vaccines are current
Infections like chicken pox or the measles can be hazardous to your child’s health, so you’ll want to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.
Discontinue your birth control
With birth control pills, your period should return 30 days after stopping the pill. If you have an IUD, you’ll want to get it removed beforehand.
Relax and reduce stress
Pregnancy is both physically and emotionally taxing. We all have busy lives, but you’ll still want to reduce as many stressors as you can in your life to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
Address any chronic medical conditions
Having conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or any other medical problems can mean that you’ll need special attention and monitoring during your pregnancy. We’ll be sure to discuss and address any medical issues that could influence your pregnancy.
Quit smoking and drinking
Smoking makes it difficult to conceive, and it’s incredibly harmful to your baby. Drinking presents the same problem, so you’ll want to quit before you start trying to conceive. It’s also important to limit your exposure to these toxins, so be weary of secondhand smoke as well.
Discuss age-related issues
The older you get, the more you are at risk for fertility problems, issues with carrying to term, and chromosomal conditions. Your partner’s age can also play a role here.
While age doesn’t entirely rule you out for pregnancy, you’ll want to discuss this with us so that we can provide you with any additional care needed and set up a plan for a successful birth.
Take a vitamin supplement with folic acid
Taking a supplement can help ensure that your body is in optimal health for conception and pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly in your child.
Get tested for STDs
If you or your partner may be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, you’ll want to get a preconception screening and subsequent treatment. STDs can negatively impact your ability to conceive, and they can also pose a serious risk to you and your baby during pregnancy.
Preconception screening
At The Association for Women's Health Care, our team of dedicated OBGYNs bring their years of experience and dedication to the table.
We’ll be here for you during every step of your pregnancy to offer top care and unprecedented compassion. Take the first step toward conception and call us or schedule an appointment online today.
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