Three Step to Take Before Getting Pregnant

Getting pregnant, carrying the baby to term, and having a complication free delivery can be difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "12% of babies are born premature, 8% are born with low birth weight, and 3% have major birth defects. Of women giving birth, 31% suffer pregnancy complications."

Fortunately, for would-be-mothers there are three steps you can take before you conceive that will reduce the risk of these adverse pregnancy outcomes.

First step to take before getting pregnant: Create a reproductive life plan

Planning to get pregnant rather than leaving it up nature can drastically decrease the possibility of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Those who are not aware they are pregnant until the 6^th to 10^thtypically begin prenatal care between the 11^th and 12^th weeks of their pregnancy.

Unfortunately, this is much too late to prevent some of the health problems that can affect the mother and the baby. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, "The fetus is most susceptible to developing certain problems in the first 4-10 weeks after conception, before prenatal care is normally initiated."

Planning your pregnancy and knowing as soon as possible when you are pregnant significantly reduces the risk of having an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Second step to take before getting pregnant: Preventative visits

Many of us only visit the doctor when we feel there is something wrong, however it is recommendable for would-be-mothers to get regular check-ups before attempting to get pregnant. Finding out if there are any health risks or deficiencies before you get pregnant gives you time to correct or compensate for these health risk and deficiencies before they pose a threat to the fetus.

For example, finding that you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency can often be rectified by changing your daily breakfast cereal three months before becoming pregnant. Where as finding you have had a vitamin or mineral deficiency after the first 4-10 weeks after conception may be too late to correct the damage.

Third step to take before getting pregnant: Act like you are pregnant before you get pregnant.

Many people plan to quit smoking, drinking coffee, drinking, and eating unhealthy food after they get pregnant. However, since most people don't know they are pregnant until the 11^th week, they are actually planning to give up these bad habits after the crucial first 4-10 weeks.

Further giving up your vices puts a strain on your body, which also puts a strain on the fetus. Remember, when pregnant that coffee withdrawal headache is not just yours.

Therefore, it is recommendable to start acting like you are pregnant three months before you attempt to become pregnant. Give up the coffee and cigarettes, the beers and Burger King. Your baby will thank you.

Birth Defects, cdc.gov

Preconception Health and Care, cdc.gov