Taking the first step towards motherhood is a big decision. It takes more than following your ovulation pattern and having regular sex to conceive and have a healthy baby. Things are even more challenging today as the pandemic brings forth other considerations. It makes sense to build a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. The best place to start is at a gynecologist’s clinic. Checking with a specialist even before you conceive makes sense. Let us give you some valid reasons to book your appointment right away.
Learn about prenatal vitamins
Women planning a pregnancy soon must start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before conception. Folic acid should be on top of your checklist as it lowers the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. It is a serious defect that develops in early pregnancy, but supplementation keeps you on the safe side. The gynecologist will have a list you must start with from the planning stage.
Review your current medications
Pregnancy is a delicate phase, and medications and even herbal supplements can harm the fetus. You must see a specialist early if you take medications for blood pressure or diabetes. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications also put you at risk. These medications can be unsafe during pregnancy, and the doctor will prescribe alternatives or taper off even before you conceive.
Ensure you are up to date on immunizations
Pre-conception is also the right time to ensure that you are up to date on important immunizations. Experts at Viva Eve emphasize the value of vaccinations for chickenpox and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) for women planning a baby. You must also seek recommendations for the COVID vaccine and its timing before an upcoming pregnancy. These are important because any infection can cause significant complications for the baby. Get a complete review and go ahead with the shots if the specialist recommends.
Discuss genetic screening
Your gynecologist will also want to know about the genetic health problems in the family. It enables them to identify your baby’s risk factors for being born with congenital abnormalities and Down syndrome. If they consider you as a high-risk case, they will suggest genetic screening before you try conceiving. Although it sounds daunting, you must not miss out on this step.
Get healthy lifestyle recommendations
A gynecologist can also offer basic healthy lifestyle recommendations regarding diet, exercise, weight management, sleep, and abstinence before conception. They can guide you about ovulation, symptoms, complications, and risks such as miscarriage and stillbirth. Being better educated helps you deal with the stress and detect problems such as fertility issues and pregnancy complications early. You are also more likely to adhere to better lifestyle choices when suggestions come from a specialist.
Talking to a doctor before trying to conceive makes you more confident about the first step. They take a personalized approach and help you ease the journey. There are good chances you will be at the clinic for your first prenatal check-up soon.
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