Pregnancy planning: where to start and what to do
The desire to conceive, carry and give birth to a healthy child will definitely come true with proper pregnancy planning. This process is not as simple as it seems, and medical help is indispensable. A woman will need to pass tests for various infections, undergo a classic examination by a gynecologist and a course of vitamin therapy. Where to start planning a pregnancy is the main topic of the article.
The first steps on the way to maternal happiness
Preparation for pregnancy begins with a consultation with a gynecologist or reproductive specialist. He will conduct a classic examination on a gynecological chair and prescribe a number of tests. Laboratory tests of blood, urine and swabs from the vagina or cervical canal will reveal hidden infections and inflammatory processes that occur without symptoms.
What tests should be taken before planning a pregnancy:
- On TORCH infection. This is a comprehensive examination that allows you to detect the presence or absence of antibodies to rubella, some sexually transmitted infections, herpes and cytomegalovirus. It is much easier to vaccinate against rubella before conception than to worry about the possible consequences for 9 months, avoiding contact with children.
- On the level of iodine in the body. The lack of this trace element can provoke a delay in the intrauterine development of the baby and, as a result, the birth of a sick child. It is enough to take specific preparations with a high iodine content for 3 months, and the specified problem will disappear.
- For hidden infections and inflammatory processes. Women visit a gynecologist only in the presence of symptoms of some pathology. But the "trick" of hidden infections is that they are most often detected already during pregnancy. The result is the birth of a child with defects, disabilities in physical or mental development.
It is worth mentioning separately what hormones to give when planning a pregnancy. Most often, doctors refer to the study of the thyroid gland, finding out the level of TSH. This hormone is responsible for the normal functioning of a woman's reproductive system, the preservation of pregnancy and the clear operation of all organs and systems. TSH when planning a pregnancy is one of the most important indicators for conception and childbirth.
A woman should understand that pregnancy planning is the work of two partners. Therefore, doctors insist on examining the future father. First of all, it is necessary to make sure that the male reproductive system works within normal limits, the spermatozoa in the ejaculate are viable and do not have abnormalities in the morphological structure. Spermography is done for this. Secondly, the partner's body may also have hidden pathologies, inflammatory or infectious processes that negatively affect sperm quality.
What appointments can doctors give when planning a pregnancy
The woman will need to undergo full treatment if any pathological process is detected. In addition, the doctor will recommend that the patient cure dental caries, get rid of problems with chronic inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis), undergo a course of treatment for chronic rhinitis of any origin (allergic or infectious). But even if the expectant mother is completely healthy, the doctor will prescribe her a course of vitamin therapy.
Vitamin E is the most important when planning a pregnancy and carrying a baby. It is taken for 2-4 months. Dosage - 1 tablet three times a day regardless of meals. Vitamin E normalizes and stabilizes the menstrual cycle, normalizes ovulation processes, makes the egg more active.
The second most important and important drug is folic acid, which will help you get pregnant and properly form the internal organs and systems of the fetus. The dosage of folic acid when planning a pregnancy is 1 tablet three times a day. These are general recommendations. After a complete examination of the woman, the gynecologist will be able to adjust the appointment. When conception occurs, the drug is canceled in most cases.
Vitamin complexes as a preventive measure strengthen the body, increase immunity, and improve metabolic processes. What vitamins to drink when planning a pregnancy for a woman and a man, their dosage and duration of the course is determined by the gynecologist.
Diet during pregnancy planning
It is extremely important for future parents to reconsider their lifestyle. This applies not only to giving up alcohol, but also to correcting the diet. Food should be filling, nutritious and light. Advice from nutritionists:
- drink at least one and a half liters of clean water every day;
- breakfast and lunch should be nutritious and satisfying, and dinner should be light (fresh vegetables, fruits or a glass of kefir);
- food should be varied so that the body receives a sufficient amount of trace elements.
Only a competent approach to pregnancy planning, regular consultations with doctors and checking one's own health will give the desired result. You will find detailed information about pregnancy planning and whether it is possible to plan the sex of the child on the pages of our site Dobrobut.com.
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