Are You Ready?

There are a few things which should be planned before you get pregnant.

Health Check Up-
                            Be Aware!

Visit the doctor with your partner. The doctor will discuss your pre-pregnancy diet, exercise, weight loss regime, immunisations, and any unhealthy habits (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse). You may be advised to see a specialist if you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These must be controlled before you get pregnant. If you haven’t undergone any health checkup in the past year, your doctor may schedule a pelvic examination and a pap smear.

Tests-
         Know it before its too late

Genetic Carrier Screening Test. With this you can find out if you or your partner is a carrier of any serious genetic condition such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. If you are carrying any inherited disorders, there are chances that your child may inherit the condition.

Get to know your family history
(yours and your partner’s):
                                              An Honest Advice!

This is one of the important things to do before you actually decide to “PLAN”. Do a detailed study about yours and your spouse’s medical history just to find out about any genetic disorders or health problems. This will help you take measures to minimize the risk of passing them over to the baby.

Infection: Stay Safe –
                                 It’s in your Hands!

Wash your hands often when Cooking and Eating.  Do not consume foods such as raw or undercooked poultry and fish, unpasteurized cheese, and other dairy and cold deli meats. They can carry harmful bacteria that could cause listeriosis, which increases the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage.

Keep an eye on your caffeine intake -
                                                         See what you eat or drink!

Though it is debatable whether or not caffeine should be consumed before pregnancy, experts say women planning to get pregnant should avoid or reduce caffeine intake. Some studies have found that excess caffeine can lead to decreased fertility. Women should limit their consumption to 200 ml or one cup a day

Planning-
               It's Highly Important - Have you done it yet?

                                         

Ask yourself before you plan your pregnancy, you should understand whether or not you are ready for pregnancy and to bring up a child. Ask yourself these key questions:

• Are you both equally committed to bring a child?

• Are you all prepared for the special requirements of your child?

• Are you ready to handle your little one’s responsibilities, family and work?

• If there are religious differences in the family, are you sure about how you can bring up your child without affecting him/ her?

ARE YOU READY? and IF YES, What’s Your PLAN?   

(Find out more in the FIRST EDITION of 9m², Book your Exclusive COPY TODAY by subscribing and leaving comments in the comments box)