Planning for a baby is exciting. While the focus is generally on what happens after a positive pregnancy test, the months leading up to conception are equally significant.
With offices in Winter Park, Oviedo, and Mary, Florida, the medical team at Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology wants to help you create the healthiest environment possible for your future child.
About 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. However, planning allows you to address health issues and lifestyle habits so that they do not affect a developing fetus.
Here are nine steps to help you prepare.
We recommend starting with a preconception visit with one of our physicians or physician assistants. During this appointment, we review your medical history, current medications, and any past pregnancy complications. This is also the time to make sure your immunizations are up to date.
Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before you try to conceive. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which are serious congenital disabilities of the brain and spine. These defects often develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before you even know you are pregnant. Folic acid can reduce the risk of these defects by up to 70%.
Your weight is a factor in both fertility and pregnancy safety. A body mass index (BMI) that is too high or too low can interfere with ovulation. Obesity also increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Our experts can help you develop a sustainable weight-loss plan that combines nutrition and physical activity to help you reach your goal weight before conception.
If you have a chronic condition like asthma, epilepsy, or thyroid disease, it needs to be under control before you get pregnant. Some medications used to treat these conditions may not be safe during pregnancy. We will work with you to adjust your treatment plan to keep both you and your baby safe.
Your body needs a steady supply of nutrients to support a pregnancy. Focus on a diet rich in:
Avoid highly processed foods and excess sugar. Good nutrition supports regular ovulation and provides the energy your body needs for the physical demands of carrying a baby.
There is no safe amount of alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy. Smoking increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. It also makes it harder to get pregnant in the first place. If you need resources to help you quit, our medical team can provide support and connect you with local programs in the Winter Park area.
Pregnancy impacts you both physically and emotionally. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, talk to us. About 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and many of these symptoms can start during pregnancy or even during the preconception phase. Establishing a support system now is a proactive step for your future health.
We recommend reviewing the medical histories of both parents. If there are genetic conditions that run in your family, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, consider genetic screening. This information helps our specialists provide the most accurate care during your pregnancy.
Be aware of toxins in your home or workplace that could affect fertility. This includes lead, mercury, and certain pesticides. You should also avoid cleaning out cat litter boxes to prevent toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be dangerous to a fetus.
To book your preconception appointment and for all of your reproductive needs, call the Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology office closest to you. We have three convenient locations in Winter Park, Oviedo, and Mary, Florida.
