Checklist To Prepare For Pregnancy

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After successfully observing the gap between your marriage and the birth of the child, you are now all set and ready to experience your first pregnancy, getting pregnant and thinking about various meaning of names for children. It is to be noted that it is considered completely normal for you to conceive anytime in the first twelve months of trying – 90% of couples will conceive in the first twelve months of trying. So what is the next step? Mentioned hereafter are some things to think about now that you’re ready to prepare for pregnancy.

1. Pay a visit to your GP
Get yourself a full check up including pap smear and breast check. Please note that all your vaccinations are up to date like the ones for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease. But do note that getting yourself vaccinated is a personal and absolutely independent choice. Some vaccines have additives (some preservatives in vaccines include mercury) and side effects which you may not be happy to have in your body. If you are of an age hovering near menopause, a visit to your GP can enlighten a lot for ...
... you.
2. Start taking dosage of Folic Acid
Because it can be difficult to get all the folate you need from your diet, it’s a good idea to take folate supplements, which help prevent neural tube defects like Spina Bifda – one of the most common of all birth defects.
It is ideal to start consuming folic acid some three months before the conception but if you plan on getting pregnant as soon as possible, the sooner the better.
Your regular pre natal multi vitamins also contain some folic acid, so you can start taking them instead of taking folates separately.
You can also find folate in foods like:
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Asparagus
• Berries
• Avocado
• Beef / Yeast Extracts (e.g. Vegemite)
• Eggs
• Bran Flakes
• Chick Peas
• Soy Beans
• Oranges
• Grapefruit

3. Check up on your private health cover
If you plan to attend a private hospital or see a private obstetrician or a private midwife, you’ll need to make sure your Private Health cover is up to date and that you have the level of cover you need.
4. Stop smoking, alcohol consumption, drugs and caffeine and replace it all with healthy eating and exercise
There is no safe level of smoking no matter if you are trying to conceive or pregnant or neither. If you are a female smoker, you will likely have lowered fertility compared to that of a non-smoker. Smoking can also result in less success with fertility treatment and a higher miscarriage and stillbirth rate. So you need to quit it the day you plan on becoming pregnant.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) recommends that women should not consume any alcohol during their pregnancy for it can result in miscarriage or stillbirth and puts baby at risk of disabilities, behavioral problems and slow growth.
It goes without saying that recreational drug use is harmful to your body, this may also include your fertility. Studies suggest that certain drugs may have effects including a reduction sperm count and quality, preventing ovulation, causing abnormalities and an increase in general fertility problems. Some drugs may cause bleeding, miscarriage and low-weight and underdeveloped babies.
There are so many differing conclusions made about the effect caffeine has on fertility, some studies claiming that higher caffeine consumption can delay the chance of conception and some saying it has little effect. To each his own but it is simply better to be safe than sorry.
Being underweight or overweight can result in problems with ovulation. You are also more prone to high blood pressure in pregnancy if you are overweight, which can be dangerous if left untreated. This can be tackled by following some tips on how to lose weight. Drink plenty of water; eat a balanced diet from the five food groups, including lots of fresh fruit and veggies and exercise regularly. Going for a walk everyday with your partner is a great idea too.
And lastly,
5. Check your family history
If your family has a history of genetic disorders or health problems, you may like to bring this up with your GP who can refer you to a genetic counsellor or you are able to contact one directly. Follow your family medical history closely and pregnancy week by week with your obstetrician for any abnormality.
Happy Pregnancy!

Getting pregnant- there are some things to think about now that you’re ready to prepare for pregnancy.

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