Pregnancy is one of the most important processes in life. The changes in the body and in everyday life will be enormous (go through our pregnancy calendar to get an idea) and it is recommended keep some things in mind before you get pregnant to be prepared both mentally and physically.
In this post I will explain some things that could be interesting for those women who are thinking of becoming pregnant, as a starting point or to clarify some doubts that may arise.
Should we have a medical visit before looking for a pregnancy?
It is not strictly necessary, although it is not a bad idea to pay a visit to the doctor or gynecologist to make sure that the cytologies are up to date and normal (in case there were any abnormality the treatment should be done before pregnancy).
A blood test can also be performed to assess rubella immunity. It is a difficult disease to get, but that, in case of infection while pregnant, could cause malformations in the fetus.
If there is no immunity, the woman will be vaccinated before conceiving (normally two separate doses are administered for a minimum of four weeks and after the second it is necessary to wait 2-3 months to seek a pregnancy).
Can anything be done to increase the chances of pregnancy?
To be more likely, the ideal is to have good health, both women and men. For this, it is advisable to improve the diet and lifestyle, stop (or at least reduce consumption) of tobacco, alcohol and drugs at least six months before pregnancy and reduce levels of stress and anxiety both at work and in House.
At the probability level it is better to do it at the time of ovulation, since fertility is higher.
Why not use tobacco, alcohol and drugs?
Healthy parents will probably have healthier children. If both smoke, even if only about 5-10 cigarettes, drink alcohol regularly or take drugs, the chances of getting pregnant decrease.
Once pregnant there is also a risk that the baby will be smaller and possibly less healthy.
If I take medication, should I stop taking them?
It depends on the medication being taken. It is best to consult with the doctor to assess the situation and change to another medication or adapt the dose if necessary.
In case of epilepsy, hypertension, diabetes or other chronic diseases, the doses could be adjusted at the time of pregnancy.
Should we take vitamins to make sure the baby is born healthy?
All vitamins are in food, so a balanced and varied diet is usually enough to provide the recommended amounts. Perhaps folic acid could be an exception, which is usually prescribed before pregnancy.
Formerly, iron was prescribed for all pregnant women, but now it is only given to those who have anemia.
In women with restricted diets, such as vegetarians, an iron and vitamin B12 supplement may be necessary if their diet does not provide them in sufficient quantity.
Does folic acid generate any risk?
No, there is no risk of taking folic acid. In fact it is recommended to start taking it three months before and during pregnancy, to reduce the risk of neural canal disorders, such as spina bifida.
If it is not desired to take folic acid as a supplement, it should be ensured that the diet includes certain foods, such as green leafy vegetables, that are rich in folic acid.
How long to wait after leaving the birth control pill?
It is preferable to stop taking the pill a few months before trying to get pregnant, to allow the woman's menstrual cycle to be restored.
What is the best time to get pregnant?
There is no ideal age because each age implies benefits and disadvantages that each couple must assess.
Some young women may not be psychologically prepared for pregnancy and for child rearing and some older mothers may feel they have less energy than when they were younger.
Older women also have a higher risk of developing complications and that children develop chromosomal abnormalities.
The decision must be exclusive to each couple that must weigh the pros and cons and assess their situation from all areas (work, housing, partner status, maturity of both, wishes and concerns, etc.).
Photos | Flickr (Dan Zen), Flickr (Martin Stabenfeldt)
In Babies and more | Recommendations before getting pregnant, How to prepare for pregnancy, The importance of medical consultation before pregnancy, Genetic counseling before pregnancy
