Adding a baby to your life may be crawling its way to the top of your New Year’s resolution list. This begs the question: how to get ready for pregnancy? Preparing the body before conception is essential. Being the healthiest you can be sets you up for a more successful pregnancy.
The experts at Rosa Gynecology can explain what to do before getting pregnant and provide steps to prepare your body for pregnancy. The following pre-pregnancy health tips and plan of action will help make sure you’re operating like a well-tuned vehicle before taking on the most precious cargo.
Schedule a Pre-Pregnancy Checkup
The first step when preparing for pregnancy should be scheduling a gynecological preconception visit. This comprehensive health review helps determine if you’re a good candidate for a healthy, low-risk pregnancy.
What to ask at a preconception appointment? A Rosa Gynecology provider will discuss your medical and family histories, lifestyle, current medications, and any chronic conditions you may have. A physical exam, several key tests and screenings, and any necessary vaccination updates take place during the exam. Additionally, the provider may recommend an ultrasound to check the ovaries and uterus.
Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy
Are you wondering when to start prenatal vitamins before pregnancy? The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends getting ahead of the game by taking a daily prenatal vitamin at least one month before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The vitamin should contain at least 400 micrograms or more of folic acid, depending on your health history. Taking folic acid before pregnancy can help prevent neural tube birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. Your provider will help direct you toward the proper amount of additional nutrients such as iron for increased blood volume, Vitamin D for bone health, and DHA for brain and eye development.
Live Physically and Mentally Healthy
Make sure your health habits are on point before getting pregnant. This includes a well-balanced nutrition plan and maintaining a healthy weight. Whether you’re underweight or carrying extra pounds, either scenario could cause problems during pregnancy. ACOG suggests regular exercise, more specifically at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening exercises each week. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs, it’s time to stop. All three can cause problems during pregnancy, including birth defects and infant death.
In addition to being physically healthy, good mental health before pregnancy has invaluable benefits. It helps reduce complication risks and manage hormonal changes. Having a mental health support system in place prepares you for any emotional challenges that can take place after childbirth, such as postpartum depression. Rosa Gynecology providers can offer personalized consultations on how to make healthy living adjustments and refer specialists when applicable.
Manage Existing Health Conditions
Several conditions can negatively affect conception and early pregnancy. This includes hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid disorders. A pre-pregnancy exam allows you the opportunity to go over any preexisting conditions with your gynecologist. From there, your Rosa Gynecology provider can collaborate directly with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss the importance of stabilizing any chronic conditions and the best way to do so before you attempt to conceive.
Fertility and Cycle Tracking
As they say, timing is everything. Rosa Gynecology can instruct you on how to best monitor ovulation and pinpoint your fertile window, which helps determine when you’re most likely to get pregnant. We’ll show you how to track ovulation for pregnancy and share expert advice on how to get pregnant safely and naturally. In general, having sex one or two days prior to ovulation is prime conception time. Tools such as ovulation predictor kits and fertility apps or calculators can be used for monitoring ovulation.
Let Rosa Gynecology Guide You on How to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy
Choosing to become pregnant is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and Rosa Gynecology is here for you. When it comes to women’s health before pregnancy, we have our patients covered. Rely on us to help you craft the best pre-pregnancy checklist. We offer support through preconception care and early pregnancy up to 12 weeks.
To set up a preconception health visit, call 770-487-9604 or schedule an appointment online.
