Preparing for a healthy pregnancy
Healthy pregnancy brings healthy baby and secures mothers' health. A perfect pre-pregnancy plan is the first step that leads pregnancy safer to you and your upcoming baby. There are certain essential things like folic acid, vaccination, cautious medication use you should consider with due importance in your pre-conception period. Experts recommend that women should start preparing for pregnancy one to three months before trying to conceive. You should secure your general well being and physical fitness before think about pregnancy. The followings things should add in your pre-pregnancy check-list to prevent any complications and pass a smooth period. Start taking folic acid
Foilc acid is an essential nutrition for pregnancy state. It has been shown to reduce the risk of a common birth defect ---neural tube defect of the brain and spinal cord in unborn children. As it can be difficult to get all the folate we need from our diet, it is a good idea to take folate supplements (in the form of tablet). Experts recommend taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day for at least 1 month before getting pregnant to help prevent birth defects. It should be continued till first trimester (12th week of pregnancy) as the brain and spinal cord are developing. Evaluate your birth control method
If you have been taking the Pill (oral contraception) or using monthly hormone injections, try to wait until you have had your first full menstrual period before trying to conceive. Although 50 percent of women will become pregnant in the first 3 months after stopping the pill, it may take some women as long as a year to conceive. When you do start your period, write down the date of the first day of your menstrual flow. Using the date of your last menstrual period (LMP) before a pregnancy is the easiest way to calculate your fetus's age since conception. In turn, fetal age is important to know when making a number of testing, treatment and delivery decisions. If you use an intrauterine device (IUD), arrange to have it removed. Avoid unnecessary medication use
Before trying to conceive, talk to a physician about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking. Many commonly taken medication medications are actually dangerous during pregnancy. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, Naproxen are commonly taken as pain killers that may increase your risk of miscarriage, especially at the time of conception or when used for more than a week. Talk to a specialist for any medical condition
Some conditions include asthma, diabetes, oral health, obesity, or epilepsy may hamper your normal pregnancy. If you have such medical conditions, talk to a specialist to control it and take advice for safer pregnancy. Check your vaccination status
Tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella are notorious for pregnancy. Make sure you are fully immunised against those to prevent potential fetal harm. If you have never been vaccinated or are unsure, consult a doctor for vaccination. You should then wait at least 3 months after being vaccinated before you try to get pregnant. Make lifestyle changes
Cut down on caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks. Stop drinking alcoholic beverages and stop smoking. Alcohol and tobacco use can severely harm a developing fetus. Exercise is good for healthy pregnant women. Try to get 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise a day for most, if not all, days of the week. Avoid contact with toxic substances or materials that could cause infection at work and at home. Stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent feces.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments