Planning for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a major event. When it is planned in advance, a woman can make decisions that will benefit both her health and that of her baby. Good general health before pregnancy can help you cope with the stress of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It can also help ensure that neither you nor your baby is exposed to things that could be harmful.

Many women do not know they are pregnant until 5, 6, or even 8 weeks. About 2 weeks after a woman’s menstrual cycle, an egg can be fertilized by a man’s sperm; it then moves to a woman’s uterus and becomes attached there to grow. These early weeks are some of the most significant ones for the baby, because it is during this time that the baby’s body and internal organs are formed. Certain substances for example, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs-may interfere with that growth, whereas a healthy life style may help promote it. Preconception, or pre pregnancy, care can guide you in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

Preconception care:

Becoming a parent is a major commitment filled with challenges, rewards, and choices. By making some plans and adjustments now, you will promote a healthy pregnancy later. Some aspects of pregnancy are part of the natural process over which you have no control. However you can control one of the most important factors in determining your health and that of your baby-your life style. Planning for pregnancy in advance can help prepare you for the experience ahead and help promote a healthy life style for your future.

A Preconception Visit: Pregnancy-planning

You may wish to arrange a special visit with your doctor to discuss your plans for pregnancy. As part of your preconception visit, you will be asked questions about your medical history, any past pregnancies, and your life style. The answers to (preconception care inventory such as family history, Genetic history, Medical history, Current medication, Nutrition, Environmental factors, Obstetric history, Counseling) these questions should be honest and open. This information may be discussed during a preconception visit. They will let your doctor know whether you may need special care duringpregnancy, and they will be treated as confidential information.

Some women have medical conditions that require special attention or care during pregnancy. The condition may be an illness that was present before pregnancy or it may arise during pregnancy.

Because pregnancy puts special demands on a woman’s body, a health problem that is normally under control can change while you are pregnant. Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, should be brought under control before you become pregnant and may require more frequent visits to your doctor or other special attention. Changes in your life style may also be in order, and your doctor may be able to offer suggestions for improving it.

If you’ve had a problem in a previous pregnancy, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem will recur or that you shouldn’t try again. Some problems develop a pattern of repeating, but most do not. If a problem is apt to be repeated you should be aware in advance that you may need special attention before and during your pregnancy.

If you have a family history of birth defects, your doctor may suggest that you see a genetic counselor. Genetic counseling can also help identify a pattern of inherited disorders, if one exists.

Your preconception visit is a time for you to ask questions, too. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or discuss any concerns you might have. Your doctor is there to provide information and guidelines.