Understanding fertility

Planning for Baby & Pregnancy Planning Tips

Planning to get pregnant is an exciting time full of hope, expectations, and changes. Pre-pregnancy planning includes selecting the right ob-gyn, asking the right questions, taking prenatal vitamins, and often modifying your diet and exercise plan. There’s lots to do to get ready for baby. Here are some considerations for when you’re planning to get pregnant.

Questions to Ask Your Ob-Gyn Before Getting Pregnant

Selecting your ob-gyn physician or another healthcare provider will be one of your first important decisions when planning for a baby. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable talking to, and whose outlook and treatment of pregnancy are closely aligned with your own. Referrals from family, friends, and other trusted sources are good places to start.

Come to your first pre-pregnancy ob-gyn visit prepared with questions. You should also be ready to answer questions from your doctor, so you will need to have a good grasp of your own health history before your appointment.

We suggest you discuss the following topics with your ob-gyn in your pre-pregnancy planning appointment:

  • Menstrual cycle timing and regularity
  • Past or current illness that might affect your ability to conceive
  • Sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cysts or fibroids, or other medical concerns about your reproductive organs
  • Past miscarriages, prior pregnancies, or birth defects
  • Your medical history as well as your partner’s
  • Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins (especially folic acid and DHA)
  • Exercise and eating habits

Now is the time to get started on a high-quality prenatal vitamin.

Seek out and carefully follow your doctor’s advice.

Go over your immune status to childhood diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella, etc. with your doctor.

Experts recommend that you stop using the birth control pill at least 3 to 4 months before becoming pregnant. Think about using this time to discuss contraception alternatives.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is one of the fundamental ways to take charge of your pre-pregnancy planning process. Your physician can help you adopt a diet and exercise plan that will help you be healthier and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Key Nutrients for Pre-Pregnancy Planning and During Pregnancy

As part of your pre-pregnancy diet, begin taking these nutrients now before you conceive:

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is an essential B vitamin that is especially important for women trying to get pregnant. Talk with your ob-gyn or physician about the recommended amount of folic acid you should be taking in your pre-natal vitamins.

DHA (found in Omega-3)

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health, but since the body can’t make them, you have to get them through food or supplementation with vitamins.

Iron

Iron is essential for making red blood cells and preventing anemia and fatigue. Make sure to choose a tolerable form of iron to reduce the possibility of constipation, bloating, and nausea.

Exercise When Planning to Get Pregnant

Pregnancy is a marathon. Adopting a regular exercise routine now will help you develop the strength and endurance you need down the road. You’ll thank yourself later.