Your Pregnancy Checklist

Even though you aren’t pregnant yet, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare yourself physically and mentally for a developing child. Think about this as your checklist for preconceptions.

1. Schedule a visit with your physician.
   It’s true that you will see them frequently after becoming pregnant, but even if you have previously been pregnant, it is still a good idea to schedule a visit in advance. It’s critical to take care of any health conditions you may have today that may impact your ability to conceive or increase the danger of a pregnancy.

Before beginning a prepregnancy examination, your doctor will want to review your whole medical history as well as that of your partner. A Pap smear and blood tests are two other tests they might want to perform to check sure neither of you has any health issues that could interfere with pregnancy or your chances of getting pregnant. Your physician may perform tests for conditions like:

 a. German measles immunity, or rubella
 b. Immunity to chickenpox 
 c. HIV
 d. Immunity to hepatitis B
 e. Herpes
 f. Additional STDs (such gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia)
 g. Thyroid issues as determined by a TSH test
 h. Other illnesses, include parvovirus B19 (commonly known as the fifth disease) and toxoplasmosis 

Lastly, based on your background, your physician might suggest genetic testing for:

 a. Sickle cell anemia
 b. Thalassemia (an inherited form of anemia)
 c. Genetic diseases common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, such as Tay-Sachs disease

It’s crucial to update your vaccination history before becoming pregnant, if that is the case. Birth defects are more common after receiving some vaccinations, including as the hepatitis A vaccine, varicella (the virus that causes chickenpox), and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. It is recommended by experts to delay trying to conceive for at least 28 days following the administration of certain immunisations.

Discuss with your physician which immunisations you require now and in the future. Pregnant women receive some vaccinations, such as the whooping cough Tdap vaccine, to protect their unborn child as well.

See a genetic counsellor or have preconception screening tests if you or your partner’s family has a history of illnesses like sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis.

2. Examine your gingiva.
   There is a link between a healthy pregnancy and dental health. Low birth weight and premature birth are associated with gum disease. So, to address any issues, now is the time to visit the dentist.
3. Give up drinking and smoking.
   As you may already be aware, drinking and smoking are never acceptable during pregnancy. They are detrimental to a baby’s development and may result in health issues as the child becomes older.

However, smoking and alcohol consumption can still make it more difficult to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage. See your physician about programmes designed to assist you in breaking these bad habits.

4. Reduce your caffeine intake.
   Consuming over two cups of coffee or five soda cans (equivalent to around 250 milligrammes of caffeine) each day may hinder your ability to become pregnant and increase the likelihood of miscarrying.

Another benefit of making the switch to decaf now is that you won’t have to endure caffeine cravings in the early weeks of pregnancy.

5. Make wise food choices.
   The moment to eliminate junk food and all of its empty calories is now. Ensure that your daily intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is adequate.

One way to lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes, which affects pregnant women, is to follow a balanced diet before becoming pregnant.

6. Consume folic acid.
   It has been demonstrated that folic acid, which is produced artificially in fortified flour and rice products and naturally present in leafy green vegetables, reduces the incidence of several birth abnormalities.

Experts advise taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid for three months prior to becoming pregnant and for the duration of your pregnancy, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Your doctor may likely advise a greater dose of 4 mg of folic acid daily if you have previously experienced a pregnancy in which the foetus had birth abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

7. Lose excess weight.
   Carrying excess weight increases the risk of developing conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.
   If you want to lose weight, start now because it’s generally not a good idea to do so while you’re pregnant.
8. Consider the medications you consume.
   It is imperative that you inform your physician about all medications you take, including over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal/vitamin supplements. A few may have an impact on your child.
9. Develop a seafood prudence.
   It’s likely common knowledge that pregnant women should avoid seafood that are high in mercury. However, your body may need up to a year to remove the element from your blood.

You can eat fish on your plate twice a week, but avoid the kind that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel.

10. Visit the fitness centre.
    Exercise will not only assist you in reaching a healthy weight, but it will also prepare you physically for giving birth. Once you become pregnant, search for safe prenatal programmes designed specifically for expectant mothers.
11. Consider the adjustments that a baby will require.
    Everything in your life will be impacted by having a child, including your finances, work, and connection with your partner or spouse. It can take a lot of time to go through all of those concerns in nine months, so your doctor might be able to offer some guidance to help you prepare. If there are preconception programmes offered in your area, your doctor might also recommend them.