Preconception Care: Things To Do Before Planning A Baby

Everyone knows there are a lot of changes that come with pregnancy. From lifestyle changes to dietary restrictions, preconception care comes in many different shapes and forms. Remember, care for the baby starts even before pregnancy. This period is an ideal time to address possible health issues, improve diet and gain necessary knowledge for a smooth and comfortable pregnancy.

Just like pregnancy care starts before the commencement of pregnancy, measures for your baby’s future health should also start before the baby is born. With LifeCell’s stem cell banking service, you can safeguard your child against 90+ diseases including chronic illnesses like blood cancer.

We understand that all of this can be very overwhelming, especially in the beginning stages. But don’t you worry, because we’re here to help you out! So relax, sit back, and prepare for your baby’s arrival merrily.

What Is Preconception Care?

Preconception care is the care given to you before you get pregnant. Before getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to deal with some health matters that can help you and your baby later on. For example, check for any health problems, like high blood pressure or diabetes, that might cause issues during pregnancy. This is also a good time to check out your pending vaccines and get your liquor under control.

By taking care of these things before pregnancy, you’re giving yourself and your baby a healthier start. And once you’re pregnant, you should continue getting regular care to keep everything on track. Consult your healthcare provider to understand what steps you need to take.

Why is Preconception Care Important?Preconception care is important because it helps in making sure that your body is in the best possible health before becoming pregnant. This reduces the risks for both you and your baby. Data shows that about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Such pregnancies can be at higher risk for complications like preterm birth and low birth weight. Hence, taking care of your health beforehand can help prevent problems later on in your pregnancy.

What Steps Can I Take?

1.Take Folic Acid Supplements

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps in preventing major birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine. It is recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before pregnancy and continuing through the first 12 weeks of of conceiving.

In some cases, the doctor might even recommend a higher dose of 5 milligrams (5mg) of folic acid per day. This might be required if you or your partner have a history of neural tube defects, had a previous pregnancy affected by these defects, diabetes, or if you’re taking certain medications, like anti-epilepsy or anti-HIV drugs. If you think you need the higher dose, talk to your doctor. Folic acid is available over-the-counter at pharmacies, or your doctor can give you a prescription.

If you find out you’re pregnant unexpectedly and weren’t taking folic acid before, don’t worry—just start taking it as soon as you can and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Taking folic acid helps protect your baby and is a simple but important step in preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

2.Quit Smoking, Drinking And Other Toxic Elements

Habits like smoking during pregnancy can also cause serious health issues. These include premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It can also increase the risk of birth defects. Also, make sure to ask your friends, family, and partner not to smoke around you, as secondhand smoke can harm your baby.

It’s also important to avoid alcohol if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to serious harm to your baby, and the more you drink, the higher the risk. If you’re having trouble quitting drinking, or if you’re using drugs, talk to your doctor or reach out to a local support group or treatment center for help.

In addition to quitting smoking and alcohol, it’s important to avoid harmful chemicals and toxic substances around your home or workplace. These include things like synthetic chemicals, certain metals, pesticides, and even animal waste. These substances can harm both your reproductive health and the health of your baby.

3.Healthy Diet And Light Exercise

It’s important to maintain a healthy body weight before getting pregnant. A balanced diet can help you reach that goal and improve your health. Here are a few tips:

• Try to limit empty calories, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine.
• Focus on eating foods high in protein.
• Make sure to include fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products in your diet.
• A moderate amount of fish is good for your health, but avoid eating fish that contains mercury in large amounts.

If you’re underweight or overweight, it’s best to aim for a healthy weight before getting pregnant. Being overweight can lead to complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, or birth defects. It can also increase the chances of needing a C-section. If you’re underweight, you may face other risks during pregnancy as well.

It is also recommended that you exercise between 120 and 150 minutes a week during pregnancy. This time should ideally be spent on moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. That means that you should work hard enough to sweat, raise your heart rate and be able to talk — but not be able to sing.

You don’t want to try losing weight during pregnancy, but getting to a healthy weight before becoming pregnant is a good idea. If you’re overweight, it might also affect your fertility and make it harder to get pregnant. Calculate your BMI before pregnancy, but note that it may not be accurate once you’re pregnant, so check with your doctor or midwife. Understand the appropriate pregnancy diet and maintain a healthy body.

4.Consult A Medical Professional

Before you get pregnant, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor or midwife. Even if you feel healthy, they can help you prepare by discussing your current health, medical history, and any family health issues that might affect the pregnancy. They may recommend tests like blood tests or vaccines for the same.

Vaccines are important because they help protect you from serious infections that could harm both you and your baby. Some vaccines given during pregnancy can also pass immunity to your baby, helping protect them in the first few months of life. However, you’ll still need to follow your baby’s vaccination schedule after birth to keep them safe as their immunity from the former decreases over time.

Conclusion

All this planning and execution before pregnancy can be really tiring. But remember, your health is the utmost priority—both physical and mental. Prioritize relaxation and quit taking stress. Take this time for yourself and bring your baby into the world peacefully.

As you prepare for this beautiful journey, consider securing your baby’s future health with LifeCell Stem Cell Banking. It allows you to preserve your baby’s stem cells at birth, offering potential protection against several critical health conditions. With LifeCell, you’re making a lifelong investment in your child’s well-being.

Prepare today for a secure tomorrow!