Planning Pregnancy: Expert Lists Things You Should Know Before Conceiving

Planning a pregnancy is the most exciting time in a mother’s life. But as you embark on this journey, your doctor can guide you on things you should know before conceiving to help you feel prepared and confident. Preconception health checks can be done before and between pregnancies to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. It might take a few months for some individuals to be prepared physically and mentally for the pregnancy.

Dr Aneeta Talwar, Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, listed things you should know before planning pregnancy.

Things To Know Before Planning Pregnancy

See Your Doctor

Dr Talwar suggested discussing your health history, medical conditions, previous pregnancy problems, medications, and family history with the doctor. She added, “Physical and pelvic examination is required to check the status of your health.  You should also undergo blood tests and PAP smears as advised by the doctor. “

She further said, “Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and thalassemia are inherited blood disorders for which you are screened before pregnancy, especially if someone in your family has a blood disorder or is a carrier.”

Medical Conditions

Dr Talwar said, “If you currently have any medical conditions, be sure they are under control and being treated. This will help avoid complications in future. Also, ensure that you inform your doctor before starting any medications, herbal and dietary supplements, and vitamins.”

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Family History

Dr Talwar said, “Family health history can help you identify factors that might affect your baby during pregnancy. A three-generation family medical history should be obtained to ascertain known genetic disorders, congenital malformations, developmental delay/mental retardation, and ethnicity. Based on your family history, your doctor may also suggest genetic counselling.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all women should be screened for family planning issues to reduce the high rates of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions that occur in many Asian nations.

Lifestyle and Behaviours

Dr Talwar added, “Talk to your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use certain drugs. They can cause problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. Passive smoking can also harm your baby, so ask your partner, friends, and family not to smoke near you. Health professionals can help you with counselling, treatment, and other support services.”

Improve Mental Health

Mental health refers to how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life's challenges. Everyone feels upset, anxious, or stressed from time to time. However, if these feelings persist and interfere with your daily life, you should seek professional help from an expert.

Get 4-5mg of Folic Acid Every Day

Dr Talwar suggested consuming enough folic acid before and during pregnancy. This can help prevent major birth defects in the brain and spine of the developing foetus, such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

Do not get worried if you become pregnant unexpectedly without taking a folic acid supplement. Start taking them as soon as you find out and discuss them with your doctor.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk for many serious conditions, including infertility, gestational diabetes, large babies, miscarriage, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Also, people who are underweight are at risk of delivering low-birth-weight babies.

Dr Talwar added, “Before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about different ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet and moderate exercise are advised in pregnancy, and it's important not to gain too much weight.” Emphasis on diet and exercise should be individualised according to the patient profile. A healthy, nutritious diet consists of fruits, leafy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. Avoid highly processed, fatty foods. Reduce your daily caffeine intake to only one to two cups of coffee.

Vaccinations

Taking the right vaccinations at the right time greatly helps you stay healthy and protect your infant from various diseases during the first few months after birth.

• Rubella (German measles), can harm your baby if you catch it during pregnancy. So check the status of your antibodies before conception and get vaccinated if non-immune. Avoid pregnancy for 2 months after receiving the vaccination.
• HPV vaccination (cervical cancer vaccination) should preferably be completed before conception and pregnancy avoided for 1 month. However, when a woman becomes pregnant while she is on HPV vaccination, then the rest of the HPV vaccine course should be completed after delivery.
• Varicella (chicken pox) immunity should be checked in the preconception period. All non-immune women should be vaccinated and should avoid pregnancy for 3 months.
• The influenza vaccine is recommended for women who would be pregnant during the influenza season, especially for those who are at high risk of influenza-related complications.

Disclaimer

This article contains information provided by the expert and is solely for informational purposes. Hence, we advise you to consult your gynaecologist before conceiving for detailed planning and avoiding complications.