Planning for Future Pregnancy

Couples wishing to start a family should begin planning ahead. There are steps the future parents can take that will help them achieve a successful pregnancy. Good health and a healthy lifestyle for both partners are important. The following are some of the things you can do.

• Get a pre-pregnancy checkup. Your healthcare provider can determine if there are any conditions that need to be addressed prior to pregnancy. For instance, immunizations, infections, medications or chronic health conditions.
• Eat a healthy diet and aim for a healthy weight. It is easier to get pregnant if you are at a healthy weight.
• If you smoke, STOP. Avoid second hand smoke as well.
• Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and hazardous chemicals and substances.
• Ask your healthcare provider to recommend a multivitamin that will provide the recommended amount of folic acid.
• Learn about genetics. Your healthcare provider can take a family health history to determine if you are at risk of having a baby with a birth defect.
• Avoid undue stress.

Remember, the physical health of the mom and dad before pregnancy affects the health of their future baby. A baby’s organs begin to form in the first four weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.

Couples who have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for over one year may want to consider scheduling an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. These physicians are trained to perform comprehensive fertility workups as well as treatments necessary to achieve the dream of parenthood.