If you plan to get pregnant, we suggest taking certain steps, which can help reduce the risks to you and the baby. Being in good health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as keeping your body healthy during pregnancy.
The first weeks are decisive in the development of a child. However, many women do not realize that they are pregnant until several weeks after conception. Planning ahead and taking care of yourself before you get pregnant is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
One of the most important steps in preparing for a healthy pregnancy is a pre-pregnancy exam that your doctor will perform before you become pregnant. This exam may include all or part of the following:
- Family medical history - evaluation of the maternal and paternal medical history to determine if any family member suffered from any medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and / or mental retardation.
- Genetic examination - evaluation of any possible genetic disorder, since several genetic disorders can be inherited, for example sickle cell anemia (a serious disorder that mainly affects African-Americans) or Tay-sachs (Disintegration disorder of the nerves marked by progressive mental and physical retardation, seen mainly in people of Jewish origin from Eastern Europe). Some genetic disorders can be detected by blood tests before pregnancy.
- Personal medical history: evaluation of the woman's personal medical history to detect if any of the following exist:
- Medical conditions that require special care during pregnancy, such as epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, and / or allergies.
- Previous surgeries.
- Previous pregnancies.
- Vaccination - evaluation of vaccinations / inoculations received to assess immunity to rubella, in particular, since contracting this disease during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or birth defects in the fetus. If the woman is not immunized against this disease, the corresponding vaccine can be applied at least three months before conception.
- Infection control - to determine if the woman suffers from sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections (or other infections) that could be harmful to the fetus and the mother.
Other steps that can help reduce the risk of complications and help prepare for a healthy pregnancy and delivery include the following:
- Give up smoking: If you are a smoker, stop smoking now. Research has shown that babies whose mothers are smokers tend to weigh less at birth. Additionally, exposure to smoke exhaled by a smoker can have adverse effects on the fetus.
- Proper diet: Eating a balanced diet before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy is not only good for the mother's overall health, but is also essential for nourishing the fetus.
- Pthat adequate and exercise: It is important to exercise regularly and maintain an appropriate weight before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy. Women who are overweight can suffer from medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Women who are underweight can have low-birth-weight babies.
- Medical control (from pre-existing conditions): Manage any current or pre-existing medical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Prevention of birth defects: Take 400 micrograms (0,4 mg) of folic acid per day, a nutrient found in some leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects in the brain and spinal cord (also called neural tube defects).
- Avoid alcohol and drug use during pregnancyAlso, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you are taking (all can have adverse effects on the developing fetus).
- Exposure to harmful substances: Pregnant women should avoid exposure to toxic and chemical substances (for example, lead and pesticides) and radiation (x-rays). Exposure to high levels of certain types of radiation and certain toxic chemicals can adversely affect the fetus.
- Infection control: Pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked meat and raw eggs. In addition, they should avoid any contact and exposure to cat feces and cat litter boxes, as they may contain the toxoplasma gondii parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Other sources of infection include insects (eg, flies) that have been in contact with cat feces, and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis can lead to serious illness or death of the fetus. Pregnant women have the ability to reduce the risk of infection by avoiding all potential sources of infection. Through a blood test carried out before or during pregnancy, it is possible to determine if a woman was exposed to the parasite gondii.
- Daily intake of vitamins: Start taking a prenatal vitamin every day, prescribed by your doctor, to make sure your body gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to nourish a healthy baby.
- Domestic violence: Women who are abused before becoming pregnant may be at risk of increased abuse during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you find community, social, and legal resources for dealing with domestic violence.
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