This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy.
Are you thinking about having a baby? There are some things you can do now to improve your odds of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
Get your baby’s life started on the best foot possible by following these family planning tips.
Schedule a preconception visit for family planning
As part of your family planning, take the time to make an appointment to talk to your OB/GYN doctor about your family history and discuss any particular pregnancy concerns it may raise.
During this consultation, your doctor will talk to you about ways you can be proactive to prepare your body for pregnancy. Your doctor may also recommend potential screening tests.
Things to do before getting pregnant
Start taking a prenatal vitamin: You can get a prescription from your doctor or buy them over the counter.
Give up unhealthy habits: Now is the time to stop smoking, stop any recreational drug use and stop drinking.
Watch your diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat calcium is important. You should also cut back on caffeine intake. There are also certain types of foods that doctors recommend staying away from during and before pregnancy.
Begin an exercise program: Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise 5–6 days each week. A brisk walk, lap swimming, or pregnancy yoga are all excellent choices of exercise.
What pregnant women and parents should know about eating fish from the FDA
Concerned about infertility?
Becoming pregnant isn’t always easy.
The time between trying and actually conceiving varies between couples and even between pregnancies. Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after a full year of trying, and it can be caused by either (or both) male or female factors.
If you are under 35 and have been having regular, unprotected sex for 12 months and not been able to conceive, make an appointment with your doctor. If you are age 35 or older, that window is shortened to six months.
Family planning assistance from Logansport Memorial Hospital
The gift of parenthood is precious. If you’re experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, talk to an OB/GYN about family planning and how diagnostic testing and individualized infertility treatments might help you welcome a biological child into the world.
To schedule a consultation, call (574) 722-3566 or request an appointment online.
