Conceiving a child can be an exciting time for couples, but it is also important to remember that a healthy pregnancy starts long before the baby is conceived. By taking some time to understand how preconception planning can help, couples can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Many things that couples can do to prepare for conception, such as:
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
In addition, you should take pre-pregnancy vitamins like folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Getting enough of these before pregnancy can help give your baby a strong start in life. Also, it is essential to ensure that both partners are up to date on their vaccinations and have had any necessary medical tests. When couples try to conceive, it’s important to consider all factors that could affect fertility.
Medication
Another critical factor is whether either partner is taking any medications or supplements. Some medications can harm fertility, and it is essential to talk to a doctor about whether any medications should be stopped before conception. In addition, some supplements can also affect fertility. As a result, couples need to be honest with each other and their healthcare providers about any medications or supplements they take before they start trying to conceive.
Birth Control
One crucial factor is the type of birth control used in the past. Hormonal birth control, for example, can stay in a woman’s system for months after she stops taking it. This can disrupt her natural hormone levels and make it more difficult to conceive. Similarly, intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also cause fertility problems. For couples trying to conceive, it’s often best to use barrier methods of birth control, such as condoms or diaphragms. These methods do not interfere with hormone levels and are less likely to cause fertility problems.
Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maternal age is important when planning pregnancy. Women experience fertility problems, pregnancy loss, and certain chromosomal conditions with age. For example, the CDC reports that women over 35 are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome.
While these risks increase with age, it is important to remember that most older women will have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, preconception counseling and genetic testing may be recommended for older women considering pregnancy. By understanding the risks associated with advanced maternal age, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Importance of Taking Care of Your Health
The key to having a healthy baby starts before you get pregnant. You should do certain things to increase your chances of having a healthy baby. You should start taking preconception vitamins with folic acid at least one month before trying to get pregnant. Folic acid helps prevent certain brain and spine birth defects.
You should also talk to your doctor about any health conditions that may affect your pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In case you have a chronic health condition, you may need to take special steps to manage it during pregnancy. Taking good care of yourself before you get pregnant is an important step in having a healthy baby.