Getting Ready to Get Pregnant

In this day and age, planned pregnancies are few and far between. But there are still some people out there that would like to plan out the branching of their family tree. Little do most know that now that you have made the decision, there is a lot of preparation that should be made!

First thing first, you need to get a check up. During this check-up make sure you get a Pap Smear and pelvic exam. These This should be done about 3 months before you start trying to conceive. It will give you plenty of time to plan and for the results of your Pap smear to come back.

You will definitely want a preconception exam if you have reason to believe you will have a "difficult pregnancy". Some factors of a "difficult pregnancy" are, but are not limited to if you: have had only brief times between earlier pregnancies or just had a baby, have a history of unexplained stillbirths or miscarriages, or babies born premature or low birth weight, know you are at personal risk of having a child with birth defects, mental retardation, or a genetic disorder, are at risk for rubella (German measles) or other infectious diseases, have heart or kidney disease, hypertension, or other chronic conditions such as lupus, have or had a sexually transmitted infection, cytomegalovirus, streptococcal infections, or toxoplasmosis, were exposed to environmental hazards, such as X-rays or toxic materials, have a weight problem or a history of eating disorders, are younger than 15, or older than 35. If you have one or more of these issues, or are concerned about other issues that are not listed above, talk to you doctor.

During your preconception visit, your clinician will probably ask you questions about your family, and their medical histories, and the potential father and his family's medical histories. Make sure that you are completely honest about both families' medical histories. During this first preliminary screening, there may be information that reveals the possibility of risks for the pregnancy and for the health of your child.

If you are not sure if your current OB-GYN is the right doctor for you during pregnancy and/or to deliver you baby, start interviewing other doctors. You can ask other mothers who they would or would not recommend for you during your pregnancy. You could also ask your doctor about other doctors in the area. It is important to look, not only for a doctor you trust, but also a hospital or birthing center that you trust.

You should go see your dentist, about 3 months before you plan to conceive. That way, if there is anything major, or minor, that needs to be done to your teeth, it can be taken care of before you get pregnant. Your body needs more nutrients while you are pregnant. If there is a pre-existing condition with your teeth, it is possible that pregnancy will make it worse.

Make sure, before you get pregnant, that you kick all of your bad habits. That means you must quit smoking cigarettes, quit drinking alcohol and quit doing illegal drugs, if you currently do so or have done so in the past. You should also avoid people who do these bad habits around you. Second-hand smoke can be more detrimental to you and your unborn baby than smoking the cigarette yourself.

Start eating right. Make sure your meals are well rounded. If you need more information on your nutritional habits, discuss it with your doctor during your preconception check-up. If you chose not to have a preconception check-up, make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your questions and/or concerns about your nutritional habits.

During pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe "prenatal vitamins" for you to take. Get a jump start on your vitamins, before you conceive. The most important vitamins to take before, and during pregnancy are iron, calcium, and folic acid. Please note: It is possible to get too much of some vitamins and minerals. Too much Vitamin A, for example, can cause birth defects. Talk with your clinician about the right vitamins to take.

Some women have a hard time taking iron tablets. If you are one of these women, try going to a health food store or a natural food store to buy "natural iron". "Natural iron" as apposed to chemical iron, is easier on the stomach and the digestive system.

Get plenty of exercise. Regular exercise will strengthen your body, and help prepare your body for pregnancy. There are some women that can not exercise during pregnancy, so make sure you start before hand. Do kegal exercises. Weak kegal muscles can contribute to pain during birth, premature flexion of the baby's head and a prolonged second stage. Childbirth can also weaken these muscles and cause discomfort afterwards.

Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is a necessity. And it will be required more once you become pregnant.

RELAX! If you are too stressed about getting pregnant, it may take longer. This is something that you want and should be fun for you, and your partner. So, make sure that you take the time to do things that you enjoy and that relax you. Enjoy your sexuality, too. Having sex can help decrease stress and the tensions that can collect during pregnancy.

Have fun.