How to Prepare for Pregnancy

Learn From the Specialists

Pregnancy can occur whether or not one is "prepared" for it. Many women get pregnant without planning ahead to get pregnant, and some women who plan for it have trouble achieving pregnancy. Preparing for pregnancy does not insure that one will get pregnant. Rather, it helps to minimize factors that might cause complications and to establish healthy habits that will carry throughout the pregnancy. Taking steps to prepare for pregnancy can also help to discover infertility issues when they are present, not because this preparation causes issues but rather because it may help a woman to become more sensitive to what her body is doing (or not doing). This information will be helpful to an Ob/Gyn or infertility specialist.

What steps should be taken in order to prepare for pregnancy? First, a woman should get a gynecological checkup from a doctor to make sure there are no pre-existing medical problems that should be taken care of beforehand. Next, a woman should understand her family medical history, including any genetic disorders or gynecological issues. For some high-risk groups, genetic screening might be recommended before attempting to get pregnant. Also, immunizations should be updated, especially for MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Any chronic or newly-diagnosed illnesses should be treated. Birth control methods should be discontinued since some methods require a waiting period before pregnancy.

In addition, some general steps to improve overall health and wellness are a good idea, including adding whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and foods high in folic acid to your diet. Taking a prenatal vitamin high in folic acid is also recommended. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, drug abuse, heavy consumption of alcohol, eating disorders, etc. should be stopped. Any medications, including over-the-counter painkillers, should be checked to make sure they are safe for use during pregnancy.

These suggestions are not an exhaustive list, but should provide a good starting point for you and your doctor to discuss.

Links:

aafp.org

This website is the home page of the American Academy of Family Physicians. This page provides a series of Questions and Answers related to preparing for pregnancy, including when to see a doctor, stopping birth control, and information on genetic screenings and immunizations. Other helpful information related to pregnancy is also available.

medicalcenter.osu.edu

This is the website of the Ohio State University Medical Center. Their Women's Health section features many topics of interest and concern to women, including gynecological issues, infertility, menopause, contraception, breast health, and pregnancy. The information given is from healthcare professionals and based on medical research. This page gives a list of helpful information for a woman desiring to become pregnant.

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