Trying to Conceive : Your Pre pregnancy Check up

We all know about the importance of prenatal medical care in assuring the health of a pregnant woman and her baby. But most experts now suggest that women start seeing an obstetrician before they become pregnant for something known as pre-pregnancy or preconception care.

But a doctor can help even at an early stage. He or she may run tests to make sure that you and your partner don’t have any hidden illnesses that could affect your pregnancy or your chances of becoming pregnant. Your doctor can also give you suggestions about exercise, eating, lifestyle and folic acid supplement. Few studies show that preconception care can increase your chances of becoming pregnant and reduce the risks of miscarriage or birth defects.

Other Considerations During the Pre-Pregnancy

• Use 0.4 mg of folic acid every day
• Ignore drugs and alcohol. Not only should you stop taking any illicit drugs
• Avoid smoking
• Eat well and exercise (Both)
• A preconception checkup is required

Pre-pregnancy checkup:

• A medical checkup you get before pregnancy to help make sure you’re healthy when you get pregnant.
• At your preconception checkup, your provider looks for health conditions that may affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby.
• Get a preconception checkup even if you’ve already had a baby. Your health may have changed since you were the last pregnant.
• A preconception checkup is especially important if you’ve already had a premature baby, a baby with a birth defect, a miscarriage or stillbirth.
• If certain health conditions run in your family you may want to see a genetic counselor.