If You're Thinking About Getting Pregnant...
If you are thinking about getting pregnant, here are some helpful changes to make to your lifestyle that will improve both your health and the health of your baby, courtesy of the team at Doylestown Women's Health Center.
Schedule a Preconception Checkup For You and Your Partner
Assuming that you and your partner are planning your pregnancy together, it's a good idea for the two of you to see your doctor for a preconception checkup. During this visit, your doctor will speak with you about your families' health histories which can help you plan a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor should also make sure that you are both up-to-date with your immunizations.The two main immunizations to concern yourself with now are chickenpox and rubella. If you are not immune to these two diseases, you should receive the vaccinations three months before trying to conceive as these live vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy.
Choose a Date
If you are using a barrier-type birth control like a diaphragm or condoms, you can continue to use it until the day you begin trying to get pregnant. But if you're taking an oral contraceptive, now is the time to switch to another method of birth control as it can take several months to begin ovulating once stopping "the pill".
Visit Your Dentist
Since periodontal or gum disease is linked to preterm delivery, now is the time to visit your dentist for a checkup. If you do need some dental treatment, X-rays or medications, you need to get that done before you attempt to conceive.
Eat Better and Improve Your Health
Prior to getting pregnant, start eating a well-balanced diet consisting of lean meats, healthy grains, veggies and fruits every day and cut back on unhealthy fats. Concentrate on eating iron and calcium-rich foods. Now is the time to ask your doctor about a good multivitamin supplement to take. Your partner should also eat a healthy diet for optimal sperm production and quality. Now is the time to cut back on your consumption of caffeine as an excessive intake of more than 300 mg daily puts you at risk for fertility problems, a miscarriage, preterm delivery and a low birth-weight baby.
If you are overweight, try to get within 15 pounds of your goal weight before conceiving and then switch to a diet consisting of about 1,800 calories per day to maintain your weight. Obesity puts you at higher risk for hypertension, gestational diabetes and increases your chances of needing a Cesarean section. If you smoke, now is the time to kick the habit once and for all to lower your risk for a miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery and having a low birth-weight baby.
Eliminate Potentially-Harmful Foods From Your Diet
Once you begin trying to conceive, steer clear of the following foods to increase the likelihood of having a healthy pregnancy:
- Raw fish and fish high in mercury
- Undercooked meat and seafood
- Deli meats
- Foods made with raw or lightly cooked eggs
- Unpasteurized dairy products and juices
- Raw vegetables sprouts
- Herbal teas
Contact Doylestown Women's Health Center
The doctors at Doylestown Women's Health Center provide exceptional OB/GYN care to women in Bucks County PA. We understand that pregnancy is a life-changing event in your life and we're here for you at every step along the way. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our female, board-certified physicians, please contact us so one of our team members can help you set up an appointment time that is convenient for you.