Planning to start a family? Here’s the Pre-pregnancy Checklist you must have…

Planning to start a family? Here’s the Pre-pregnancy Checklist you must have… Pregnancy is one of the most anticipated and exciting phases of a woman’s life, whereby taking care of one’s health is vital. Several aspects like nutrition, exercise, doctor appointments, health check-ups, medications, etc. need to be considered during these nine-months. If you’re planning to start a family, here are some points you should have in your pre-pregnancy checklist.

Pregnancy is both a crucial and an exciting phase in a woman’s life, whereby mental and physical readiness plays a vital role. Pre-pregnancy planning is necessary because some women just need months to prepare their bodies for it, while others might take longer. The following checklist has eight essential items to check off, and these are the Pre-pregnancy tips:

Make an Appointment with Doctor

Consulting the family physician is ideal before trying for pregnancy to learn all about preconception health care. Preconception health care is medical care that increases the chances of having a healthy baby. It could involve topics such as lifestyle factors that affect pregnancy, previous pregnancy issues, medications the women might be on, vaccinations and other steps to prevent congenital disabilities.

Stop Consuming Alcohol

Consuming alcohol is a habit that needs to stop long before women decide to get pregnant. Since there is no established amount of alcohol that is ‘safe’ for consumption before or during pregnancy, it is best to avoid all kinds of alcoholic drinks. The dangers of alcohol during pregnancy is well known as it causes CNS problems, low birth weight and other conditions classified under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Quit Smoking

Smoking tobacco is also a known risk factor for congenital disabilities in newborn babies. In women, smoking reduces the chances of getting pregnant, while smoking during pregnancy increases pregnancy complications. It is ideal to quit many months before the planned pregnancy.

Check Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, etc. Working women and those who consume more than 300 mg/d or more significant amounts could be at the risk of complications that arise out of it, such as reduced birth weight, growth restriction and preterm birth. While it’s ideal to reduce it completely, studies show that one or two cups of coffee a day is not a concern.

Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is essential before and throughout pregnancy to support the body’s extra nutritional demands because of the developing fetus. Eating foods rich in Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Omega 3 and Folic Acid are essential at the beginning for the fetus’s healthy growth and development. The Pre-pregnancy diet should include starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, protein sources such as beans, eggs, lean meat, fish, etc., and a moderate amount of dairy products for calcium demand.

Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy has several benefits, from reducing Cesarean rates to healthy weight gain in the fetus and managing gestational diabetes. Moderate exercise offers the most help, while any kind of strenuous exercise is best to avoid.

Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are prescribed to women who are planning for pregnancy despite being on a healthy diet as it minimises the risk of congenital disabilities. Folic Acid supplements are given at a dose of 400 mcg/d from before pregnancy up until 12 weeks after. Folic Acid is critical in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). Other essential pre-pregnancy vitamins include B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

Dentist Appointment

Pregnancy brings about significant changes to eating habits in women, which could lead to dental problems. Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can aggravate inflammation caused by gingivitis, affecting nearly 60% – 70% of pregnant women. Women planning for pregnancy must visit their dentist for advice.

Preparing for pregnancy is essential before conceiving to maximise the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

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