Great plans make for a great pregnancy!
This should be the mantra for every individual planning to get pregnant!. After all, pregnancy is a marathon. It takes a lot of people and their support to get to the finish line, including your partner, family, friends, doctor and their staff. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and get your answers.
Below I have outlined some of the highlights you need when planning your pregnancy.
First Get to know yourself
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Keep track of your medical and surgical history.
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What’s your family history?
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When was the first day of your last period?
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Any previous pregnancies? Any issues?
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Are you taking any Medications? Vitamins? Birth control?
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Do you have any Allergies?
PRO TIP: Keep this information digital.
Bond with your Doctor and Health Team
Communicate your vision, fears, concerns about your pregnancy with your doctor and their team.
The doctors and staff are here for you!
Don’t know where to start?
Use my TOP 10 Questions to ask your OBGYN about your Pregnancy
Understand the pregnancy
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Your due date is determined by the first day of your last period and/or an ultrasound.
ex. If you have regular periods and the first day of your last period was April 5, 2019, then you are likely to have conceived in two weeks after that (the average time of ovulation is day 12-14 of your menstrual period) with a estimated due date of January 10, 2020 (40 weeks later!)
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Normal weight women should gain 25-35 lbs.
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Some vaginal spotting is normal in the first few weeks.
Each visit is important! Don’t miss your appointments. If you do, communicate with your doctor and their team.
Maintain a healthy pregnancy
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Start Folic acid (400 micrograms) daily – 3 months before pregnancy.
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Exercise! At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.
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Up to date on your immunizations? Influenza? MMR?
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Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
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Seek help for depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Pre-pregnancy care is the first step. Pregnancy might be complicated, and there is more to come. But you are on the right path.
Here is a PDF I designed to start your journey!