If you have decided to become a mother, you should take a number of steps in advance to protect the health of your future baby and your own as well. Preconception counseling is the first step toward experiencing motherhood calmly and peacefully. Prepare for pregnancy ahead of time and enjoy every moment of this special stage of life.
Here is a guide to the main medical recommendations before planning a pregnancy.
Maintain a healthy weight: women with a normal weight have a higher chance of conceiving successfully, while a body mass index (BMI) that is too high or too low can make conception more difficult. BMI is a biometric parameter that takes into account a person’s weight and height and is used as an indicator of weight status.
Stop drinking alcohol and smoking. These harmful habits increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and having babies with low birth weight. Smoking can negatively affect fertility and reduce sperm count. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can cause delayed fetal development and behavioral disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome. There is no safe dose of alcohol during pregnancy, so it is recommended to completely avoid alcoholic beverages before conception.
Limit caffeine intake: although no maximum amount has been firmly established, experts recommend avoiding excessive caffeine consumption, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Studies suggest that caffeine intake should be limited to about two cups of coffee per day.
Follow a healthy, balanced diet rich in folic acid and vitamins, including vegetables, legumes, fresh fruits, and nuts. Pay attention to how you cook, boil, and store foods to avoid losing folic acid and vitamins, which are sensitive to heat, light, and air.
Engage in physical activity, such as moderate exercise like walking, cycling, or light workouts, for 30 minutes a day. Stretching and yoga are recommended to improve flexibility.
Check hygienic conditions in the workplace. Some professions may pose risks for women of reproductive age or pregnant women due to exposure to chemicals, radiation, or pesticides. It is important to consult a doctor to assess the risks associated with working conditions and take measures to reduce exposure to these substances in order to protect the health of the mother and the fetus.
Preconception visit: from the first consultation to pregnancy
Schedule a consultation with a gynecologist at the “Bogolubu” Center, who will evaluate your medical history, the health status of both parents, medications you are taking, weight, diet, and harmful habits, and discuss any specific conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or hypertension. The center’s specialists will also perform a full examination of your female reproductive system to ensure that you are ready for conception.
The TORCH test (an acronym for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus) is a test used to detect antibodies to certain exanthematous, viral, or protozoal infections that can cause fetal malformations and even miscarriage.
A Pap smear and a vaginal swab are necessary to rule out cervical diseases and detect vaginal infections.
Sexually transmitted infections can negatively affect a couple’s fertility and have serious consequences for fetal health. Therefore, it is extremely important that both partners undergo special tests to detect infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C (HCV), determine the Rh factor of the blood, and check for markers associated with syphilis.
If you have a regular cycle, a manic obsession with conceiving “at any cost,” constant monitoring of ovulation, especially in the early stages, creates unnecessary stress for the couple and negatively affects intimate relationships.
Regular sexual intercourse two to three times a week, especially after menstruation, is an effective method of conception within a year for fertile couples in 80–90% of cases. Give yourself time.
Do not worry if pregnancy does not happen immediately: for couples under 35, pregnancy usually occurs within two years, while couples over 35 should wait one year.
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