Fertility and Preconception Care: When Should You Start Planning?
From nutrition and lifestyle habits to underlying health conditions and fertility awareness, the steps to take before conception can play a major role in maximizing fertility and a healthy pregnancy. The good news is you don’t need to have every detail figured out to get started.
See our obstetrics and gynecology specialists at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Spring Valley, New York, for a personalized preconception care plan.
Here’s what to know about fertility, prepregnancy health habits to consider, and when it may be time to start planning ahead.
Fertility and preconception care 101
So what exactly is fertility and preconception care at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery? It involves planning to become pregnant and taking steps to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
While pregnancy complications could still appear due to situations beyond your control, you can prevent many OB/GYN issues with proper planning, a healthy body, and routine medical monitoring.
Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery can help boost your odds of becoming pregnant when you want to and maintain optimal health for yourself and your new addition.
Why preconception care matters
There are numerous reasons to choose preconception care at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery. Unplanned pregnancies have a higher risk of low birth weight babies and preterm births.
Women who are healthier when they conceive may reduce their chance of pregnancy complications. Preconception care at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery also helps boost your chance of conceiving as soon as you’re ready.
When fertility and preconception care should begin
Our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery experts recommend taking advantage of preconception care at least three months before you begin trying to become pregnant. However, some women need additional time to prepare their bodies for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Your partner’s health is also important to optimize fertility.
Things to consider before trying to become pregnant
Your personalized fertility and preconception care plan, created by our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery team, may include:
- Stopping birth control when advised to by your provider
- Taking a prenatal vitamin supplement containing folic acid and other essential nutrients
- Undergoing a Pap smear
- Completing sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening
- Getting any chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) under control
- Achieving or maintaining a healthy weight
- Stopping certain medications or dietary supplements
- Eating a healthy diet
- Staying physically active
- Avoiding drugs, smoking, and alcohol
- Removing anything in your home that could be unsafe for a baby
- Avoiding toxic substances
It’s helpful to get in the habit of avoiding contact with pesticides, other chemicals, and rodent and cat feces (this includes litter boxes).
The right time to try
The right time to have a baby is a discussion for you and your partner. Our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery experts help ensure you’re in good health before you give it a go.
If you’ve been trying and haven’t had success, our team offers fertility testing that helps pinpoint the root cause, as well as advice or referrals to help you achieve your family planning goals.
Take advantage of fertility and preconception obstetrics care at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery by calling our office or booking an appointment online today.
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