Written by Dr. Neha Jain (MBBS LHMC New Delhi, DGO LHMC New Delhi), one of the best gynecologists in Delhi NCR.
Preconception planning and health care focus on things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase your chances of having a healthy child. For a few women, preparing their body for pregnancy takes a couple of months. For others, it may take longer. Here are a few things you should consider in your preconception planning:
1. See your doctor
Before getting pregnant, consult a doctor and talk to them about the preconception healthcare needs. The doctor will need to examine your family history and any other medical conditions you may have at present that could influence your future pregnancy.
2. Medical conditions
In case you have any medical conditions, make sure they are under control and being dealt with properly. Some of these conditions include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, thyroid, phenylketonuria (PKU), seizures, hypertension, joint inflammation, dietary issues and other chronic diseases.
3. Lifestyle and behavior
Consult a Gynecologists doctor in India or a specialist in case you smoke, drink liquor or use drugs, live in an unpleasant or oppressive environment, or work with or live around harmful substances.
4. Medication
Consuming certain medicines during pregnancy can bring about genuine birth defects. These include some remedy and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and dietary or homegrown supplements. In case you are planning a pregnancy, you need to examine the requirement for any medicine with your specialist before becoming pregnant and ensure you are taking just those medicines that are vital.
5. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day
Folic acid is a vital nutrient that the body requires, especially during pregnancy. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can prevent some birth defects of the infant’s brain and spine.
6. Quit drinking alcohol, smoking, and using drugs
Smoking, drinking liquor and consuming drugs can bring about numerous issues during pregnancy for a woman and her child which may include untimely birth, birth imperfections, and newborn death.
7. Dodge toxic substances and environmental contaminants
Dodge lethal substances and other environmental contaminants and destructive materials at work or at home. For example, engineered chemicals, metals, bug sprays, fertilizers and animal faeces.
8. Maintain a healthy weight
Women who are overweight have a higher risk for some serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, coronary disease, type-2 diabetes and certain other diseases (endometrial, bosom, and colon). Women who are underweight are likewise at risk for other medical issues. The way to accomplish and keep up a sound weight is not about short-term dietary changes. One should maintain it throughout in order to stay healthy and fit.
9. Family history
Gathering your family’s health history can be critical for your child’s well-being. Depending upon your family history, you might be recommended to genetic counselling by your doctor. Women go for genetic counselling owing to different reasons such as having had premature deliveries in the past, an infant’s death, infertility, or even a hereditary condition or birth defect that happened during a past pregnancy.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
Also read: You Need To Stop Believing These 4 Myths About IVF
About the Author
Dr. Neha Jain operates Bliss & Bless clinic and is a consultant at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. She is one of the best gynaecologists in Delhi NCR. She is known for her sincerity, excellent manners and clinical acumen for diagnosing women’s problems. Some common problems that she is efficiently able to manage on a teleconsultation are: Early pregnancy, Vaginal Discharge, PCOD, Menopause Symptoms, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Abortion)- Through Pills/Surgical, Pelvic pain, Menstrual problems, Family Planning advice.
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you quality healthcare from the best doctors in the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you will find a select few, highly-qualified doctors, unlike other online platforms with thousands of doctors. So you can be assured of receiving excellent, honest, personalized care from the best professionals.