9 Things You Should Do Before Getting Pregnant

Expert answer:

Before getting pregnant it is important that the woman has some care to prepare the body for pregnancy and protect the baby from various diseases. Taking folic acid, taking blood, having a healthy diet and controlling weight are some of those care.

check out 9 things that the woman should do before you get pregnant:

  1. Consult your gynecologist:

    • Make a routine assessment, which includes the preventive, breast, gynecological and imaging exams;
    • When informing your doctor that you intend to become pregnant, he will ask for a blood test;
    • Tell the gynecologist if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, depression or any other chronic illness so that he adapts to the medications used; do not hide any illness from your doctor;
    • Check with your doctor if your vaccines are up-to-date and only take a vaccine under medical advice;
  2. Take folic acid (vitamin B9):
    • Start taking folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant;
    • When you are pregnant, take a daily dose of 5 mg folic acid during the first 3 months of gestation;
    • Vitamin B9 decreases the baby's risk of neural tube closure problems by about 70%, and prevents problems in the developing fetal brain (see also: What is folic acid for?);
  3. Stay within the ideal weight:
    • Overweight increases the chances of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure;
    • Overweight pregnant women may have a more complicated pregnancy end and the chances of a cesarean birth are greater;
    • The ideal is that at the end of pregnancy the woman has gained a maximum of 10 kg, which is equivalent to the weight of the baby, water, placenta and fluid retention (swelling). In addition to this weight is already accumulated body fat, which is difficult to lose after childbirth (read also: What is the minimum weight to be able to get pregnant?);
  4. Do not use drugs:
    • The use of illegal drugs can cause the baby to be born with withdrawal syndrome and interfere with the child's relationship and learning;
    • It is known that the use of marijuana, for example, is associated with low birth weight of the baby;
  5. Stop Smoking:
    • Smoking can cause low birth weight, increases the risk of preterm birth, complications during pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome;
    • Even passive smokers also take these risks, so stay away from cigarette smoke;
    • Stopping smoking can also facilitate the occurrence of pregnancy;
  6. Practice physical exercise:
    • Regular physical activity helps you lose weight, improves mood, decreases stress, improves physical fitness, strengthens the body and improves cardiorespiratory fitness;
    • Do at least 40 minutes of exercise 3 times a week;
    • Swimming and walking are great to do during pregnancy;
  7. Have a healthy diet:
    • Give preference to foods like fruits, vegetables, vegetables and proteins (meats, fish, poultry, beans, chickpeas, lentils, beans, eggs, dairy products);
    • Avoid eating fats, fried foods and sugar;
    • There is no evidence that aspartame is harmful to pregnant women, but try Sucralose or Stevia sweeteners;
  8. Take care of your teeth:
    • Make an appointment at the dentist to make a check-up and clean your teeth before getting pregnant;
    • Periodontal disease can lead to miscarriage or premature birth;
  9. Try to stay well emotionally:
    • Try to better manage frustration and anxiety;
    • Trying to get pregnant and not being able to do it can lead to a lot of stress, damaging your emotional well-being and marital relationship.

Talk to your gynecologist who intends to become pregnant. It will guide you as to what you should do to have a peaceful and risk-free pregnancy.

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