Before deciding to conceive, it is important to ensure that your body is in the best possible condition to carry a healthy pregnancy to term. This means seeing a doctor before you start trying to conceive. There are several steps that you should take to optimise your health and increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
Do’s
1) Talk to your doctor: Before starting your journey to conceive and as part of your preconception planning, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. This is the right time to ask any questions, discuss any medical issues and concerns, and get a general health check-up. Your doctor may also recommend some tests such as blood glucose, STI, or genetic testing.
2) Start taking prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are specially designed to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to support a healthy pregnancy, such as folic acid, calcium, and iron. Start taking them at least three months before conception.
3) Achieve a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for fertility and pregnancy. Being under or overweight can make it harder for you to conceive and can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Your doctor can recommend a healthy weight for you and help you devise a plan to reach it if necessary.
4) Eat a healthy diet: A healthy and balanced diet is important for overall health and fertility. It is especially important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources like fish, eggs, and poultry. Avoid processed and junk foods.
5) Exercise: Moderate exercise is generally safe during pregnancy, and it can help you achieve a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about your exercise routine and if you need to modify it during pregnancy.
Don’ts
1) Stop smoking and drinking alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can reduce your fertility, increase the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, and harm your baby if you do conceive. It is important to quit smoking and avoid alcohol before and during pregnancy.
2) Reduce caffeine intake: Too much caffeine can reduce fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. Limit your caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day.
3) Avoid certain foods: Certain foods can carry harmful bacteria or toxins that can harm your baby if you do conceive. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, unpasteurised dairy products and juices, and certain types of fish with high levels of mercury.
4) Don’t ignore medical conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders can affect fertility and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about managing these conditions before and during pregnancy.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
If you are struggling to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive technologies may be an option. These include in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and surrogacy.
IVF is a process where eggs and sperm are mixed outside the womb to create embryos. The embryo is then placed in the uterus. IUI involves placing sperm directly in the uterus during ovulation. ICSI is similar to IVF but involves directly injecting the sperm into the egg.
Surrogacy involves a third party carrying your baby for you. The surrogate may carry the baby using her own egg or an egg from a donor.
The process of assisted reproductive technology is complex and can be emotionally and financially demanding. Talk to your doctor and a fertility specialist to understand the options available and their success rates.
In conclusion, it is essential to see a doctor before getting pregnant. Preconception planning and taking appropriate steps can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. Talk to your doctor about your health and concerns. Eat healthily, exercise, and avoid smoking, alcohol and certain foods. If you experience fertility issues, assisted reproductive technologies may be an option, but it is essential to understand the process and associated risks.