Planning A Pregnancy: What You Should Do First
There has never been better news for pregnancy planning! Maternal and fetal complications
of pregnancy and childbirth are at an all-time low, prenatal diagnostics and
interventions have continued to improve, and the "information age" has offered
unprecedented access to medically related information. Contraceptive options
are also multiplying and improving, so that the goal of eliminating unwanted
pregnancies in the 21st century is no longer in the realm of fantasy. Despite
these advances, too many American women spend more time planning a one-week
vacation than they do planning a pregnancy.
Preconception Visit:
Your most important prenatal visit may actually
be a preconception visit. This is a chance to visit your doctor before getting
pregnant to discuss and identify any measures you should take prior to conceiving,
and to discuss family and personal medical histories, various risk factors,
and current medications. Preconception plans should include:
- Quitting smoking
- Getting your partner to quit smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption to one drink per day or less (eliminate once
pregnant)
- Discussing all medications, prescription and non-prescription, with your
clinician (and if you use any recreational or illegal drugs, stop!)
- Taking folic acid (400 mcg/day) to reduce the incidence
of spinal and brain-related birth defects
- Taking other vitamins, minerals, or supplements recommended by your clinician,
especially iron and calcium
- Starting/maintaining a regular exercise regimen
- Working with your physician if you have any uncontrolled medical problems
(e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, thyroid problems, etc.)
- Getting a complete history and physical, along with having any overdue preventive
tests (e.g. Pap smear, cholesterol count, etc.) and treating any abnormal
results
- Taking any necessary vaccines (e.g. rubella, varicella, hepatitis) and screening
for any genetic conditions (in both partners) if indicated
Receiving early and consistent prenatal care
increases the likelihood of a healthy birth outcome for mother and child. Adequate
prenatal care is dependent upon both receiving care early and receiving care
an appropriate number of times throughout the pregnancy. Estimates are that
in 1994, 12.0% of minority women received inadequate prenatal care compared
to 4.9% of white women. Teen mothers are the least likely to get adequate prenatal
care.
A wide range of health care providers -- obstetricians,
family clinicians, women's health care clinicians, nurse midwives, clinician
assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses -- offer prenatal care in a number
of different settings.
For more information about depression or other mental health issues, click
here.
Created: 8/15/2002  - Donnica Moore, M.D.