Before getting pregnant

How can I make the best of my planned pregnancy?

Before You Get Pregnant
Before you get pregnant, you will want to discuss a number of things with your healthcare provider. Your caregiver can give you advice and suggestions about starting a family. You and your caregiver can evaluate your lifestyle and decide whether getting pregnant is a good choice at the time.

Age
Women under 18 and over 35 who have babies are more likely to have problems with pregnancy or have babies that are born too small or too soon to be healthy.

Medical Conditions
Medical problems need to be treated before pregnancy. This includes such conditions as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, infections, hepatitis, PKU or anemia.

Immunizations
Make sure your immunizations are up to date. They can prevent some disease like measles (rubella) which cause birth defects.

Family Health
Does anyone in your family have an inherited disease, birth defect or mental retardation? Some diseases and birth problems can run in families. It might be best to speak with a genetics counselor before becoming pregnant.

STD`s
You or your partner may have a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that you don't know about. All STD's, such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS, can cause serious problems in a developing fetus if not cared for properly.

Emotional Health
Pregnancy and children can cause financial problems and interfere with school and work. During pregnancy, domestic abuse may actually increase. Get help if you have violence or abuse in your life, high levels of stress or inadequate support.

Lifestyle Factors
Consider your career, work schedule, school schedule and homelife before trying to conceive. If you smoke, drink or abuse drugs, it is beneficial for both mother and baby to stop before getting pregnant.

Oral Health
Before you get pregnant, see your dentist for an exam. Research shows that periodontal disease leads to preterm delivery and higher incidences of low birthweight babies.

Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to double check your maternity coverages. You will want to know ahead of time what is covered and what will need to be paid for by you, out of pocket. Ask about circumcision fees, ultrasounds, optional testing and other fees. Find out what your deductibles and co-pays are so you can save if needed. If you do not have health insurance, contact your local health department or social services for assistance.

Nutrition And Eating Habits
Your weight should be close to ideal and you should be exercising several times throughout the week. Aim to eat heatlhy, balanced meals from all food groups. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin and get your folic acid to prevent birth defects! If you have not seen a doctor, you can purchase prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements at your local pharmacy.

There are many things you need to think about. What will you need to know and do to plan for your pregnancy and parenthood? You may find helpful information from:

Family planning services
Prepregnancy books
Exercise classes
Smoking cessation programs
Food/Nutrition programs
Counseling
Mental health centers
School counsellors and nurses
Alcohol/Drug treatment
Medical insurance plans
Social services
Doctors and nurses
Health care providers
Religious leaders

Comments: Before getting pregnant

Comments 1 to 11 of about 11.

magic number - 355 days ago.
Hi Ladies! I havent been on this site much since having my Little man, Tylen, who will be 1 in July, but im thinking about TTC again soon, and i met some lovely women last time, so im back hoping to again with this next journy towards baby no.2! Nice to meet you all!

mamaof2soon3 - 590 days ago.
HEY LADIES THERE A IAP TTC GROUP ON FACEBOOK IF U WOULD LIKE TO JOIN LEAVE ME UR EMAIL ADRESSE THAT IS ON UR FACEBOOK! AND I WILL ADD U :)

armywife-mommyof2 - 1082 days ago.
hi my name is Danielle and although i do want another baby this will be our 3rd i am wanting to wait and get in shape and start eating right get myself healthy does anyone have any tips for me or suggestions i would love to hear them

mom2threeplus2angles - 1407 days ago.
I am new to this site and had a question for anyone who can help.Can blood clots go away during your pregnacy or do they stay the whole time? I just had a stillbirth May 3 and then developed deep thrombus bloodclots in my left leg as well as May-thurners syndrome. I am on coumadin now and the clots are still there. I am nervous about having another baby someday and wondering if you can still carry a healthy baby even with blood clots in your legs. I also have 3 stents in my vein. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

ADCoursey - 1426 days ago.
angelvnvdisguise - i did. lost weight, went off meds... i was a textbook healthy woman, and in a perfect position to conceive. so perfect, in fact, that i didn't even have to go off birth control!

angelvnvdisguise - 1550 days ago.
did anyone 'get healthy' before ttc? As in lost weight, diet, exercise etc?

shesxchaotic - 1620 days ago.
My husband and I MC'd at 5 weeks not too long ago and the doctor kept me on prenatal vitamins because he said they would provide the vitamins I would need anyways. Hoping they'll work and when we do conceive, it'll be healthy and no complications. Wish us luck!

Excited4Babies - 1630 days ago.
Hi Everyone; I've been reading this site since a few of my friends are pregnant, and it's been so helpful for me to be sure that I'm ready! Took my first dose of Folic Acid today, in preparation for TTC! (We aren't yet, but quite soon!) Baby Dust to all!

chloemamma - 1642 days ago.
Seriously, I would say the best emotional thing you can do for yourself, before you get pregnant, is to write yourself a list of short-term goals that a baby would impede you from accomplishing and take whatever period of time you feel you need and accomplish as many as you can/need to. My first pregnancy was unexpected, and there were so many things I would have done, in the six months before I got pregnant, if I'd have known I was experiencing the last child-free stretch of time I would have for eightteen years. Just little things that I can't do now and miss a little or wish I'd tried. I have a friend who has been trying to concieve her first child, and she and her husband are taking a short break from the process because of the timing and her work. Now, she's going to spend the next few months going on wine tours and all those other things she'll have to give up, for a time, while she's pregnant and breat feeding. It's such a good idea!

ashers mom - 1652 days ago.
Hell to next month! We're officially trying now!!! Whoop!! Tiny Eric could be growing inside me as I type!!!! Lol....

ashers mom - 1653 days ago.
Hi, I'm starting to try for my 2nd baby next month (Dec) so would like to make a few friends who are trying as well! We can face the journey together! Lol. I already have a 6 month old, but he's that lovely I need another - otherwise I will ruin him!!!!! :-)