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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 b
irth 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.birt
hcontrolbuzz.com/.
About the author: - BirthControlBuzz
is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth
control types (prescription required), health administrative
services, and statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to
purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.
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