Have you decided to try for a pregnancy?
Many women who decide it is the right time to get pregnant do not realize there are steps you should take in order to prepare for a pregnancy – aside from ending birth control. It is important to visit with your PGOMG provider and let him or her know you would like to have a baby and are ready to start taking steps in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Once you have made an appointment, your provider will likely encourage a discussion about your current health and advise you on any preparations prior to conception.
Consider preconception counselling.
Preconception counselling is recommended for PGOMG patients. Preconception counseling is designed to prepare couples for a healthy pregnancy and birth. During preconception counselling, your provider will walk through your medical history and discuss ways you can improve your overall health prior to getting pregnant. Your provider will also be able to assist in providing answers to any questions you have in regard to how your menstrual cycle will affect the likelihood of conception.
Cut out tobacco use, and be aware of alcohol consumption.
Your PGOMG provider will strongly advise that both you and your partner should quit smoking if you have not already done so. While you are trying to conceive, you cannot guarantee that you will know exactly when you are pregnant. Thus it is important that you cut out smoking cigarettes and at least be aware of (if not end) your alcohol consumption in order to protect the health of your baby.
Begin to take prenatal vitamins.
It is still recommended that you seek the advice of your individual provider, but many providers advise that patients begin to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid in the months before they wish to conceive. Vitamins that contain B6 have even been shown to help decrease the severity of morning sickness, a common symptom experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Visit the dentist.
Believe it or not, dental health can play a big role in the health of your baby during pregnancy. Women are often advised to visit their dentist in the month or months prior to conception in order to have a full checkup and any needed procedures completed prior to pregnancy.
Create a pregnancy-friendly exercise routine.
Although you do not have a current exercise routine, easing into one which is pregnancy-friendly is important. Even light activity can make a difference in how a woman feels as her pregnancy progresses.
