Preconception Prep for Moms - Get a preconception checkup.
Learn about the science and symptoms of a woman’s 9-month pregnancy. Explore the science behind the body’s greatest mysteries -- in two minutes flat. From hormone increases and morning sickness to your baby’s first kicks and the nesting impulse, take a look at what happens to your body when you get knocked up.
Before You Conceive
SO YOU’VE MADE THE DECISION TO start a family (or to grow that family you’ve already started). That’s a great—and exciting—first step. But before sperm meets egg to create the baby of your dreams, take this preconception opportunity to prepare for the healthiest pregnancy—and baby—possible. The next steps outlined in this chapter will help you (and dad-to-be) get into tip-top baby-making shape, give you a leg up on conception, and get you to the pregnancy starting gate with all systems go.
If you don’t get pregnant right away, relax and keep trying (and don’t forget to keep having fun while you’re trying!). If you’re already pregnant—and didn’t have a chance to follow these steps before you conceived—not to worry. Conception often sneaks up on a couple, cutting out that preconception period altogether and
making those preconception pointers pointless. If your pregnancy test has already given you the good news, simply start this site at Chapter and make the very best of every day of pregnancy you have ahead of you.
Preconception Prep for Moms
Ready to board that cute little passenger on the mother ship? Here are some preconception steps you can take to make sure that ship is in shape.
Get a preconception checkup. You don’t have to choose a prenatal practitioner yet (though this is a great time to do so; see facing page), but it would be a good idea to see your regular gynecologist or internist for a thorough physical. An exam will pick up any medical problems that need to be corrected beforehand or that will need to be monitored during pregnancy. Plus, your doctor will be able to steer you away from medications that are pregnancy (or preconception) no-no’s, make sure your immunizations are up to date, and talk to
you about your weight, your diet, your drinking and other lifestyle habits, and similar preconception issues.
Start looking for a prenatal practitioner. It’s easier to start looking for an obstetrician or midwife now, when the pregnancy meter’s not already running, than when that first prenatal checkup is hanging over your head. If you’re going to stick with your regular ob-gyn, then you’ve got a head start. Otherwise, ask around, scout around, and take your time in picking the practitioner who’s right for you (see page 21 for tips on choosing one). Then schedule an interview and a prepregnancy exam.
making those preconception pointers pointless. If your pregnancy test has already given you the good news, simply start this site at Chapter and make the very best of every day of pregnancy you have ahead of you.
Preconception Prep for Moms
Ready to board that cute little passenger on the mother ship? Here are some preconception steps you can take to make sure that ship is in shape.
Get a preconception checkup. You don’t have to choose a prenatal practitioner yet (though this is a great time to do so; see facing page), but it would be a good idea to see your regular gynecologist or internist for a thorough physical. An exam will pick up any medical problems that need to be corrected beforehand or that will need to be monitored during pregnancy. Plus, your doctor will be able to steer you away from medications that are pregnancy (or preconception) no-no’s, make sure your immunizations are up to date, and talk to
you about your weight, your diet, your drinking and other lifestyle habits, and similar preconception issues.
Start looking for a prenatal practitioner. It’s easier to start looking for an obstetrician or midwife now, when the pregnancy meter’s not already running, than when that first prenatal checkup is hanging over your head. If you’re going to stick with your regular ob-gyn, then you’ve got a head start. Otherwise, ask around, scout around, and take your time in picking the practitioner who’s right for you (see page 21 for tips on choosing one). Then schedule an interview and a prepregnancy exam.
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