Preconception 101 How to Prepare for Pregnancy
It's likely that if you're reading this, you're considering becoming pregnant and planning a family. However, before you start making real plans to have a kid, read this article on getting ready to become pregnant.
3 Months Before TTC
Getting a physical examination from a medical professional is a fantastic first step in trying to conceive, according to the majority of specialists. A health care professional can provide you advice on things to expect as you get ready for pregnancy, including managing any health concerns, deciding which medications are safe, and quitting birth control, during this pre-conception visit. Furthermore, it is a great time to visit the dentist.
Schedule a pre-conception checkup
If you have a partner, you should arrange for a pre-conception examination together. A medical professional will review your medical histories during this examination in addition to performing other standard health tests.
During this examination, the healthcare provider may confirm that your vaccinations are current. Before or during pregnancy, the following vaccinations should be current, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Whooping cough
- Flu
- COVID-19
- RSV
Also, if you're not current on chickenpox and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), receiving these vaccines three months before trying to conceive is ideal. Both are "live" vaccines, so they're not recommended during pregnancy.
Clean out your medicine cabinets
You likely have a number of herbal items in your medicine cabinet in addition to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals you take for allergies, constipation, and headaches. It's time to start considering what might be inside.
Certain components in some of these goods have the potential to damage a fetus or impair fertility. It's a great idea to question a health care professional about safe conceptionary practices during your pre-pregnancy appointment.
Learn about stopping birth control
An obvious step in preparing for pregnancy is stopping birth control. But, depending on which type you use, recommendations may vary on the best time to stop.
If you're using a barrier birth control method, such as condoms, diaphragm, or cervical cap, you can continue to use it until the day you officially start "trying." But if you're on the birth control pill or other hormonal forms of contraception, you might want to switch to a barrier method of contraception.
That's because even though some people begin ovulating almost immediately after stopping oral contraceptives, for others, it may take several months.
Visit the dentist
You might not have realized that dental care is something to think about when getting ready for baby. However, gum disease has been linked to premature birth, so visit a dentist before becoming pregnant to make sure your teeth are in good shape. It's also best to take care of any dental work, X-rays, or prescriptions before becoming pregnant.
Consider on-the-job safety
Speak with your boss and conduct some research if you're worried about dangers or exposures at work, such as dangerous chemicals, extended standing, or even extreme stress. Simple accommodations like a chair or a different desk could be the answer to reduce stress and exposure at work. Naturally, your partner ought to research their possible job exposures as well.
Ensure chronic health conditions are managed
You will need to carefully treat any chronic health concerns you may have before and throughout pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, thyroid illness, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, or lupus. For example, if you can regulate your blood sugar before getting pregnant, the chances of having a safe pregnancy and infant go up for those who have diabetes.
In the event that your doctor feels you could be at risk, a diabetes test should be part of your pre-conception examination. Special attention should also be given to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or both past and present.
2 Months Before TTC
Once you get through medical appointments and consult with health care providers, you can focus on simple ways to improve your fertility and overall health. Preparing for pregnancy will ideally include a close evaluation of your nutrition and activity level to ensure you are in the healthiest place to get pregnant.
Up your vitamins and veggies
The "MyPlate" program, provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), suggests meals that are well-balanced and consist of grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Assess how your diet fits within these guidelines and adapt to include any additional food groups that you may be deficient in. Furthermore, medical professionals advise beginning prenatal vitamins before to beginning a fertility program.
Folate, often known as folic acid, is one of the most important components in any multivitamin pill. To lower the chance of neural tube defects like spina bifida in infants, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises taking a vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.
However, if you previously had a baby with a neural tube defect, they recommend approximately 10 times that amount, or 4 milligrams (mg), starting three months before pregnancy. So, talk to a health care provider to ensure you are getting the right amount for you.
It's likely that if you're reading this, you're considering becoming pregnant and planning a family. However, before you start making real plans to have a kid, read this article on getting ready to become pregnant.
3 Months Before TTC
Getting a physical examination from a medical professional is a fantastic first step in trying to conceive, according to the majority of specialists. A health care professional can provide you advice on things to expect as you get ready for pregnancy, including managing any health concerns, deciding which medications are safe, and quitting birth control, during this pre-conception visit. Furthermore, it is a great time to visit the dentist.
Schedule a pre-conception checkup
If you have a partner, you should arrange for a pre-conception examination together. A medical professional will review your medical histories during this examination in addition to performing other standard health tests.
During this examination, the healthcare provider may confirm that your vaccinations are current. Before or during pregnancy, the following vaccinations should be current, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Whooping cough
- Flu
- COVID-19
- RSV
Also, if you're not current on chickenpox and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), receiving these vaccines three months before trying to conceive is ideal. Both are "live" vaccines, so they're not recommended during pregnancy.
Clean out your medicine cabinets
You likely have a number of herbal items in your medicine cabinet in addition to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals you take for allergies, constipation, and headaches. It's time to start considering what might be inside.
Certain components in some of these goods have the potential to damage a fetus or impair fertility. It's a great idea to question a health care professional about safe conceptionary practices during your pre-pregnancy appointment.
Learn about stopping birth control
An obvious step in preparing for pregnancy is stopping birth control. But, depending on which type you use, recommendations may vary on the best time to stop.
If you're using a barrier birth control method, such as condoms, diaphragm, or cervical cap, you can continue to use it until the day you officially start "trying." But if you're on the birth control pill or other hormonal forms of contraception, you might want to switch to a barrier method of contraception.
That's because even though some people begin ovulating almost immediately after stopping oral contraceptives, for others, it may take several months.
Visit the dentist
You might not have realized that dental care is something to think about when getting ready for baby. However, gum disease has been linked to premature birth, so visit a dentist before becoming pregnant to make sure your teeth are in good shape. It's also best to take care of any dental work, X-rays, or prescriptions before becoming pregnant.
Consider on-the-job safety
Speak with your boss and conduct some research if you're worried about dangers or exposures at work, such as dangerous chemicals, extended standing, or even extreme stress. Simple accommodations like a chair or a different desk could be the answer to reduce stress and exposure at work. Naturally, your partner ought to research their possible job exposures as well.
Ensure chronic health conditions are managed
You will need to carefully treat any chronic health concerns you may have before and throughout pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, thyroid illness, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, or lupus. For example, if you can regulate your blood sugar before getting pregnant, the chances of having a safe pregnancy and infant go up for those who have diabetes.
In the event that your doctor feels you could be at risk, a diabetes test should be part of your pre-conception examination. Special attention should also be given to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or both past and present.
2 Months Before TTC
Once you get through medical appointments and consult with health care providers, you can focus on simple ways to improve your fertility and overall health. Preparing for pregnancy will ideally include a close evaluation of your nutrition and activity level to ensure you are in the healthiest place to get pregnant.
Up your vitamins and veggies
The "MyPlate" program, provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), suggests meals that are well-balanced and consist of grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Assess how your diet fits within these guidelines and adapt to include any additional food groups that you may be deficient in. Furthermore, medical professionals advise beginning prenatal vitamins before to beginning a fertility program.
Folate, often known as folic acid, is one of the most important components in any multivitamin pill. To lower the chance of neural tube defects like spina bifida in infants, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises taking a vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.
However, if you previously had a baby with a neural tube defect, they recommend approximately 10 times that amount, or 4 milligrams (mg), starting three months before pregnancy. So, talk to a health care provider to ensure you are getting the right amount for you.
