Planning a Pregnancy?
If you’re planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps ahead of time can help reduce risks for both you and your baby. Maintaining good health before pregnancy is just as important as living a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
“The first few weeks of pregnancy are essential for fetal development, yet many people don’t realize they are pregnant until several weeks after conception,” says PIH Health OB/GYN Sara Soto MD. “Therefore, preparing your body and your health before pregnancy is the best thing you can do for both you and your baby,” Dr. Soto adds.
Pre-Pregnancy Exam (Preconception Care)
A key step in preparing for a healthy pregnancy is having a pre-pregnancy exam, also known as preconception care. This exam is conducted by your healthcare provider before conception and may include the following components:
- Family Health History: Your provider will ask about both your and your partner’s family health history. This helps identify any genetic or hereditary health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or intellectual disabilities.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can help identify any potential genetic disorders that could be inherited, such as sickle cell anemia (common in African Americans) or Tay-Sachs disease (common in those of Eastern European Jewish descent). Some genetic conditions can be detected through blood tests before pregnancy.
- Personal Health History: Your provider will review your personal health history to identify any pre-existing health conditions—such as epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, or allergies—that might require special care during pregnancy. They will also ask about past surgeries and previous pregnancies.
- Vaccine Status: Your provider will check your immunization history to assess your immunity to certain diseases, including rubella (German measles), which can cause miscarriage or birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. If you’re not immune to rubella, you may receive a vaccine at least one month before conception.
- Infection Screening: You will be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as some can be harmful to both you and your baby.
Additional Steps for a Healthy Pregnancy
To further reduce the risk of complications and prepare your body for pregnancy, consider the following steps:
- Stop Smoking: If you smoke, quitting now is crucial. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke (toxins left on clothing and surfaces) can also pose risks to your baby.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet before and during pregnancy is essential for your health and your baby’s development. Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support your body’s needs.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important for overall health and pregnancy success. Being overweight can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other complications, while being underweight may lead to low birth weight for your baby.
- Manage Pre-Existing Conditions: Address any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, before pregnancy. Proper management of these conditions can help reduce risks during pregnancy.
- Prevent Birth Defects: Take 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. This essential nutrient can reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which affect the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified cereals, and supplements.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Do not consume alcohol or take recreational drugs during pregnancy. Also, inform your provider about any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you’re currently taking, as they may have harmful effects on the developing fetus.
- Reduce Exposure to Harmful Substances: Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, pesticides, and high levels of radiation (such as X-rays), as these can negatively affect fetal development.
- Practice Infection Control: Prevent infections by avoiding undercooked meat and raw eggs, which may carry harmful bacteria. Also, steer clear of cat litter and feces, which can harbor the Toxoplasma gondii parasite that causes toxoplasmosis—a serious infection that can harm your baby. A blood test can determine if you’ve been exposed to this parasite.
- Take Daily Vitamins: Start taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure you receive all the nutrients necessary to support a healthy pregnancy.
- Seek Help for Domestic Violence: If you’re experiencing abuse, it’s important to seek help. Abuse can increase during pregnancy, and your healthcare provider can connect you with community resources and support services to address domestic violence.
Planning for pregnancy is a vital step in ensuring both your health and the well-being of your future baby. Dr. Soto emphasizes, “By taking the time to prepare your body, manage pre-existing health conditions, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and seek necessary medical care, you can reduce the risks associated with pregnancy and create a strong foundation for a healthy outcome.” Visit PIHHealth.org/Doctor to find an OB/GYN near you or visit PIHHealth.org/Pregnancy to learn more about pregnancy care at PIH Health. Remember, the actions you take today can have a lasting impact on your pregnancy and your baby’s development tomorrow.
Sara Soto MD
Learn more about Dr. Sara Soto, an Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist at PIH Health.
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