When you are planning to have a child, you may have the feeling of excitement and nervous at the same time. Parenthood at this point may bring some great and wonderful changes in your life. Pregnancy is both difficult and rewarding, and having a safe pregnancy and birth requires preparation even before the conception.
Here are some Smart Parenting Tips in preparing for pregnancy:
Have a Health Check
1. Physical check-up with your doctor. A thorough physical and medical examination is very important in preparing yourself for pregnancy. You may feel you don’t need it because you feel healthy but it is recommended to see your doctor. The doctor may find health problems that you might not be aware of especially for those diseases that symptoms are not noticeable or no symptoms at all. You may not be aware of this, doctor usually will require your partner to have a physical examination. This is make sure that he does not have any condition that could affect sperm production. Both of you will be requested to have a test for STD (sexually transmitted disease), this procedure would free your future child from birth defects. Acquiring immunization for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, tetanus, and other diseases is also important to prevent passing of any disease to your baby, in this way also, there are some immunization that can be passed also to your child. Is cases where there are genetic problems in your family or your partner’s family, a genetic screening is needed to reduce the risk of abnormality that may develop in your child.
2. Consult your OB-gyne. An obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. If your are planning to have a child, a complete medical examination that will be requested by your OB-gyne is very important. Breast check-up, blood test, Pap smear following test are usually done or requested on this procedure.
3. See your dentist. There are cases that hormonal changes occur during pregnancy may affect even your teeth and gums. Going to your dentist for a check-up is also important procedure on planning to get pregnant. Why? Because there are dental procedures like tooth extraction that cannot be done on pregnant woman. In this way, you are more assured that you will not experience problem related to your teeth and gums during pregnancy.
4. Be physically fit. Regular exercise can make you physical fit. It is recommended to enter into a fitness program that suits your physical needs so that you will not experience health problems during pregnancy. Do not ignore this procedure because you think that there are exercises for pregnant woman, remember that this is a preparation procedure. Do not take risk your health, more so, your future baby’s health. Whether you are underweight or overweight, consult your doctor on a fitness routine that is suitable for you. If you are overweight, do not take extreme dieting for it will just create another problem on your health. All you need is a balance diet and right exercise as recommended by your doctor.
5. Be cautious of your food and fluid intake. When planning to have a baby, be aware of foods your are eating and liquids your are drinking. Drinking clean water will keep you healthy, it will also reduce the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Tap water may be harmful to your baby because you are not sure if it is 100% clean, just to make sure, drink only bottled or purified water, in case of unavailability, boiled water will also do. Never skip meals, eat nutritious food like fruits and vegetables every day. Avoid junk foods, you will not obtain vitamins and minerals from junk foods and it will also harm you and your future baby. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before your eat or cook them, this will help remove any trace of harmful chemicals. Important factor when preparing to get pregnant is to take vitamins and minerals supplement, folic acid (follate) is very important because it plays important role on baby’s brain development. You may need to consult your doctor, nutritionist of OB-gyne if you need advice for a proper diet.