Before you even think about trying to get pregnant, you would be wise to make sure that your own body is ready to take on this responsibility. A healthy mom is more likely to lead to a healthy baby, making it important that you are in the best shape that you can be. You will also have an easier pregnancy if your body is prepared to successfully nurture a growing life. Here are five health checks that you should schedule before you try to get pregnant.
General Medical Checkup
A good place to start is with a thorough general medical checkup. Your regular healthcare provider can provide this service. You will want to talk about general issues such as your weight, blood pressure, and any chronic health issues that may affect your ability to get pregnant or nurture a healthy baby.
This is also a good time to make sure that you are up to date on all of your vaccinations. You will want to confirm that you are current with all of the recommended vaccinations so that you can avoid contracting illnesses that may be dangerous to the baby. Be sure to also get a flu shot if you plan on getting pregnant during flu season. It does not hurt to make sure your partner is also current in their vaccinations.
OBGYN Checkup
In addition to making an appointment with a general health care provider. A visit with a specialized OBGYN is also a good idea. This specialist will be able to answer any questions about conception and what may happen during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Because untreated STDs can cause serious health issues for a baby, you need to make sure that you are clear.
It is standard practice for an OBGYN to screen for STDs such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and syphilis during the first prenatal appointment. Be sure to also have your partner screened for STDs before going down the road of trying to conceive.
Genetic Testing
When looking for an OBGYN near me, you may want to find a provider that can also offer genetic testing. While this is not always necessary, some parents want to be as informed as possible about the odds of the occurrence of some of the most common inheritable disorders. This includes issues such as cystic fibrosis (CF), sickle cell disease, Tay-Sacs disease, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Dental Checkup
It is not unusual for pregnant women to develop a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. The various hormonal changes the body goes through during this time can lead to excessive gum inflammation. Making you more susceptible to the bacteria that leads to gum disease.
This makes it important to make sure your oral health is in optimal shape before getting pregnant. Additionally, you want to get the potentially harmful x-rays out of the way before you get pregnant. Being proactive about taking care of your dental health before getting pregnant will give you time to fix any potential problems before it is too late.
Mental Health Checkup
Your emotional wellness is also important as you get set to embark on this exciting journey. Even if you have never had any mental health issues, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can trigger a variety of complications. This makes it important to be aware of your emotional health.
If you have suffered from mental health issues in the past. It is particularly important to put your emotional wellness first before trying to conceive. Pregnancy can worsen existing issues, making it vital that you have a provider set up to handle anything that you need to discuss. A mental health care provider will also be able to advise what types of medications are safe during pregnancy and while nursing.
These five checkups will give you peace of mind that this is the right time to try to conceive. Your mind will be eased if you know that your body is up for the challenge.
