So, you want to get pregnant — how exciting! But before you start trying to conceive, make sure you’ve checked everything off your pre-pregnancy to-do list. Take a look at these nine things you should include.
Get a Preconception Checkup
The first thing you should do is get a checkup. Your doctor will review any medications you are taking to make sure there is nothing that can harm a baby. They’ll also make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date because contracting some diseases during pregnancy can bring harm to your baby. For instance, chickenpox and Rubella can cause birth defects. Make sure that you also discuss any existing medical problems you have, such as diabetes, STDs, or Crohn’s disease.
Avoid Pets and Rodents
Image via Flickr by Lyn Lomasi
You don’t have to get rid of the family cat or dog, but you should let another family member do the care. For instance, don’t change your cat’s litter box because cat feces may have a parasite in it that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that can cause birth defects. Also, small pets such as mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs can carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), which is harmful to your baby.
Start Taking a Multivitamin
When you’re trying to conceive, you should get a prescription prenatal vitamin from your doctor. Folic acid is a vitamin you and your baby need to make cells grow. It helps prevent development issues called “neural tube defects.” You should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before and during your pregnancy. There are several other benefits to taking a prenatal vitamin while you’re trying to conceive, as well.
Get a Dental Checkup
In addition to a doctor’s visit, you should also see a dentist. Gum disease is associated with pregnancy problems, so it’s important to take care of any infections in your mouth to avoid problems. Plus, doing dental work while you’re pregnant is more complicated because there are fewer x-ray and drug options, so it’s best to get it done before.
Get Your Weight Under Control
Women who are underweight or overweight are more likely to have problems during pregnancy than those that keep up a healthy weight. These same issues can also make it more difficult to get pregnant because they mess with the hormones in your body. However, even if you end up having fertility issues, most of the time there is still hope. For instance, egg donor risks are low and it is becoming more and more common to use in-vitro fertilization to get pregnant.
If you’re trying to lose weight, check with your doctor to make sure your exercise routine is safe before and during pregnancy. Also, avoid taking weight-loss pills because it’s unknown whether they cause birth defects. You don’t want to take any chances.
Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Women who smoke during pregnancy often have low-weight babies, and it’s estimated that 5% of infant fatalities could have been avoided if the mother had quit smoking. If you are a smoker, quit the habit before you get pregnant to protect your baby. Drinking alcohol is also harmful to an unborn child, so you should refrain from drinking while you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Eat Healthy Foods and Cut Down on the Sweets
When you’re trying to get pregnant, you should eat healthy so that you have all the nutrients your body needs to conceive and grow a healthy baby. Avoid eating fast food and foods high in sugars and fats. It might help to keep a food journal or count your calories to make sure you are on the right track. The FDA suggests that you eat two to three servings of calcium-rich foods, two servings of protein, seven servings of fruits and vegetables, and six serving of whole grains each day, as well a drink eight glasses of water.
Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can harm your baby, which means you should avoid them when trying to conceive, particularly paint thinner. This may be a problem if you work in certain environments. For instance, warehouses and manufacturing industry jobs are typically characterized by poor air quality, chemicals, and other hazards. So, do what you can to decrease your exposure and talk to your employer about your options.
Reduce the Stress in Your Life
Several studies show that stress affects your health and your ability to conceive. This is because stress works on your hypothalamus, which is the gland that secretes the hormones that tell your body when to release eggs. Do what you can to rid stress from your life.
If you take care of all these things before you get pregnant, you will be well on your way to a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy baby. Take care of your health and be responsible when you’re trying to conceive. Good luck!