A Guide to Preconception Care
Verified by Dr. Tripti Dubey – Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
Thinking about starting a family? Preconception care, focusing on your health before pregnancy, is a fantastic way to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a happy beginning for your future child.
Here’s what pre-conception care involves:
- Doctor’s visit: Schedule a pre-pregnancy checkup with your doctor. Discuss your medical history, family health, and any potential risks. The doctor might recommend vaccinations, like rubella, to ensure you’re immune to illnesses that can harm a developing baby.
- Folic acid: This B vitamin is vital for preventing neural tube defects in the baby’s brain and spine. Ideally, a woman should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, at least three months before conception.
- Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can improve your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor can help you determine a healthy weight range based on your Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Diet and exercise: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Regular exercise also benefits you and your future baby.
- Vitamins and medications: Discuss all medications you’re taking with your doctor. Some medications may need adjusting or stopping before pregnancy.
- Lifestyle changes: Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs can harm your fertility and a developing baby. Aim to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Discuss managing any chronic health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, with your doctor.
- Mental health: Preconception care also includes addressing mental health. Discuss any concerns about anxiety or depression with your doctor.
- Partner’s health: Ideally, both partners should undergo pre-conception care. This ensures a healthier pregnancy journey for both.
Preconception care empowers you to take charge of your health and create the best environment for a healthy pregnancy. Before pregnancy, you need to rule out certain medical conditions before pregnancy, like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders and various genetic abnormalities in the family. Even if you have a previous healthy pregnancy still you need preconceptional tests and counseling with your doctor as certain conditions can develop later on in life. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor with any questions throughout the process.
Consult our expert, Dr. Tripti Dubey – Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai for more details.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.