Preparing for pregnancy for a healthy pregnancy
The key to a healthy pregnancy is directly linked to healthy preparation before conception. Preparing your body before pregnancy will help you have a more comfortable pregnancy. Although the vast majority of pregnancies today are planned, the number of couples who prepare together before conceiving is still lower than expected.
The first thing to do before becoming pregnant is to check whether the mother-to-be is at a healthy weight. A healthy weight means a body mass index (BMI) of around 25 kg/m². It is important for women with a BMI above 30 kg/m² or below 18 kg/m² to move closer to a healthy weight. Excess weight before pregnancy can lead to metabolic conditions during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Being underweight can make it harder to conceive and may lead to preterm birth or babies with low birth weight. For this reason, it is important to approach a healthy weight at least 3 months before the planned pregnancy. Before and throughout pregnancy, a diet rich in protein and fiber, and as low as possible in carbohydrates and fat, is recommended. Support from a dietitian before and during pregnancy will also be very beneficial for you.
The medicines and vitamin supplements you take are also important. Some may need to be stopped or have their dose adjusted before pregnancy. For this reason, a woman planning a pregnancy should always be assessed by a physician beforehand so that the necessary arrangements can be made. If you have a chronic condition that requires regular follow-up, be sure to tell the doctor who monitors you about your plans for pregnancy. Your medicines may need to be changed, their doses adjusted or stopped altogether. Even if you have no known health problems, a general internal medicine check-up will help anticipate risks that may arise during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, the use of harmful substances is common today. Smoking, alcohol and other chemical substances are major risk factors for every pregnancy, and you are strongly advised to stop using them before planning a pregnancy. Our physician colleagues in the relevant specialties will give you the help you need to quit.
We recommend that people in risk groups complete all necessary vaccinations before pregnancy. While certain vaccines can be given safely during pregnancy, there are others that should never be given. So if you have a risk factor that requires a vaccination program, it is best to plan your pregnancy after completing your vaccinations.
Folic acid is essential in pregnancy. In line with the recommendations of many health organizations and associations worldwide, 400 micrograms of folic acid a day should be started at least 3 months before stopping contraception, and contraception should be stopped only once these 3 months have passed. At the very least, even if 3 months have not yet passed, you should be taking folic acid when you conceive and continue it until the end of the third month of pregnancy.
Oral and dental health problems are among the things that trouble expectant mothers most throughout pregnancy. A thorough oral and dental examination before pregnancy is very important. Dental problems can be very distressing during pregnancy, and unfortunately they cannot be treated safely at every stage of pregnancy. For this reason, your oral and dental health should be assessed and any necessary treatment completed before you become pregnant.
And finally, of course, a woman planning a pregnancy must be examined by an obstetrician and gynecologist. This examination includes a general gynecological examination and the tests that should be evaluated before pregnancy. During the general gynecological examination, the mother-to-be’s medical history should be reviewed, including any other illnesses or inherited genetic conditions in the family; her lifestyle and daily activity should be assessed; any uterine or ovarian conditions that might prevent pregnancy should be evaluated; any genital tract infection should be treated; if you are using an active method of contraception, when to stop it should be planned; any problems experienced in previous pregnancies should be evaluated to see whether they pose a risk for the planned pregnancy; and the tests you need before conceiving (such as a SMEAR test and blood tests) should be done, with the necessary precautions taken if a problem is found.
We wish all expectant mothers and mothers-to-be good health and healthy births.