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Expert Q&A
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| By Shirley Moore Certified Nurse Midwife Women's Health Specialists, Chicago | ||
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How can I get myself in the best physical health before attempting pregnancy?
Get a checkup. I recommend a visit with your health care provider at least 6 months before attempting pregnancy. At this visit, your provider will probably take a complete health history, including a genetic history. This will allow any need for genetic testing to be identified before pregnancy.
Eat well. You should begin eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet that allows you to consume 9-11 servings of grains, 4-5 of vegetables, 3-4 or fruit, 2-3 of protein, and 2-3 of dairy daily. You should also take a multivitamin daily that has a minimum of .4 mg of folic acid beginning 3-6 months prior to pregnancy and throughout your pregnancy. This will help to significantly decrease your risk of open neural tube defects.
Begin a regular exercise program. This exercise regimen can be as simple as walking two miles in 30 minutes every day.
Eliminate toxins. Remove potentially harmful substances from your lifestyle. Start early to eliminate caffeine from your diet, stop smoking, and try to limit your use of medication to those that are safe during pregnancy. I usually tell my patients that the only thing they should take until they are sure they are not pregnant is acetaminophen for pain. Anything else they should consult me. Also avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis while attempting a pregnancy -- this is a parasite transmitted through raw meats, cat feces and the soil. Therefore, cook all meat well, do not change cat litter boxes, and wear gloves when gardening.
Also: Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. Discuss your employment with your provider to determine if anything in your job would decrease your ability to conceive or increase your risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage.
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