I’m a super planner. Some might call it an obsession—but I call it a gift. I’m passionate about party planning and vacation planning and even meal planning. I’m the queen of to-do lists and post-it notes. So, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that I started planning my wedding before I met my husband. And I was exploring childcare options before we had kids.
Written by Ann Metz on behalf of Tennova Healthcare
If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re planning to have a baby soon. And you want to give yourself the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Because I’m no expert on conception planning, I contacted Lisa Buckingham, M.D., to provide some get-ready-to-get-pregnant tips. Dr. Buckingham, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Tennova Healthcare, delivers babies at Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville.
1. See your doctor.
Although you don’t need to decide who is going to deliver your baby just yet, it’s not too early to call an OB/GYN for a preconception checkup.
“Your doctor will review your medical history and discuss any medications you’re taking,” Dr. Buckingham says. “You’ll likely discuss diet, exercise, and unhealthy habits that could be harmful to your baby, such as smoking, drinking or taking drugs. If it’s been at least a year since you’ve had a checkup, you may also have a pelvic exam and PAP smear.”
If you don’t have an OB/GYN, ask a friend for a recommendation or call a physician referral hotline, such as 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682).
2. Watch what you eat [and drink].
You’re not eating for two (yet), but you should start making good food choices now. Eat a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables—and reduce unhealthy fats.
“Aim for a healthy body mass index of between 19 and 25,” Dr. Buckingham says. “If you’re overweight, losing just 10 or 15 pounds may reduce the risk of certain health problems for you and your baby. Conversely, being underweight can make it harder to conceive, particularly if you’re skipping periods.”
Although having a glass of wine with dinner on the weekends is unlikely to have much effect on fertility, the March of Dimes recommends that you avoid alcohol once you start trying to conceive. Women who drink during pregnancy face an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and having a low-birthweight baby. Would-be dads should also avoid alcohol and follow a healthy diet. Studies indicate that being overweight and heavy drinking can reduce fertility for men, too.
3. Take folic acid.
“By taking 400 micrograms of folic acid a day for at least one month before you conceive and during your first trimester, you can reduce your chances of having a baby with neural-tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, by about 70 percent,” Dr. Buckingham says. “Taking folic acid helps prevent some other birth defects as well.”
4. Get moving.
If you prefer the couch to cardio, consider starting an exercise program now—and continuing it through your pregnancy. Being physically active can improve your mood, increase your energy, and help you sleep better. If you already have a fitness routine, keep up the good work. However, if you’re into extreme sports, you should consult with your physician to make sure your activities won’t affect your fertility.
“How much exercise you should be getting pre-pregnancy is debatable,” Dr. Buckingham says. “Research suggests that moderate exercise can improve fertility. But too much can throw your cycle off.”
For optimum health, Dr. Buckingham recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days per week, or at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise three days per week.
5. Say goodbye to birth control.
For many women, fertility returns as soon as they stop the pill, the patch, or other birth control methods. But sometimes it takes a month or so to start ovulating again. You should consult an OB/GYN if you’re unable to achieve pregnancy after six to 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
To learn more about childbirth services at Tennova Healthcare, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com.
