What you do prior to conceiving is just as important as what you do after. Pre-conception care helps to ensure that you are physically and mentally ready to have a baby. It also helps to identify any problems that could make conceiving a challenge. If you and your partner are preparing to have a family, here are some pre-conception care tips to remember.
Schedule a Preconception Care Checkup
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare for pregnancy is to schedule a checkup with your gynecologist. During the checkup, your doctor can identify factors that can lead to a healthy pregnancy. He or she can also review your medical and family history to determine if there are any potential challenges to your pregnancy ahead.
After the checkup, your doctor will make suggestions of things you can do to guarantee you are ready for conception. For instance, he or she might ask you to lose or gain weight. Your doctor could also recommend taking vitamins as part of the preparation.
Focus on Lowering Stress
High levels of stress has a direct link to conception difficulties. Stress can often lead to missed or delayed periods, which can make it challenging to track ovulation. To avoid this, you need to develop a plan to deal with stress.
When looking for ways to deal with stress, look for things you can continue to do throughout your pregnancy. For instance, yoga is a safe way of reducing stress that can also help to keep you healthy during pregnancy.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate an existing mental health disorder. If left untreated, the disorder could potentially interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your unborn child on a daily basis.
If you currently have a mental health disorder, talk to a professional before pregnancy. A therapist can talk to you about your emotions and explore treatment options with you. If you currently take medication to control symptoms, you need to find out if they could have an impact on the health of your child. Your therapist might have to adjust or change your medications if it is not considered safe to take during pregnancy.
Consult with a gynecologist, such as those found at Desert Rose OBGYN PC, about other pre-conception concerns that you have. He or she can work with you and other care providers to ensure you are physically and emotionally ready to conceive.
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