Dr. Yashoda

Preconception care refers to the care that a woman should take before getting pregnant. This refers to all the procedures and measures to be taken by a woman before pregnancy for maintaining good health before giving birth. Good preconception care also ensures proper health of the to-be-born child. Seeking information about pregnancy is also a part of preconception care by which a woman can prepare herself better physically and emotionally before childbirth. Visiting doctors and health practitioners is a part of preconception care. The body is prepared for giving birth during preconception care.

Nutritional supplements during preconception care: 

Certain nutritional supplements are recommended for women during this stage. Folic acid is an important vitamin which enables healthy growth and development of the baby. Folic acid reduces birth defects like spina bifida.

Other healthy supplements which a woman may require during preconception care include iron, zinc and calcium. A healthy, balanced diet and drinking a lot of water are also important.

Blood Tests:

Visiting a doctor is necessary during the preconception care. You will require a detailed physical health checkup and required guidelines from a health expert. Recommended blood tests include full blood count, testing of ferritin levels and testing for rubella. Urine tests and blood pressure checkup are also vital. You can also take the package for Living Healthy - Woman.

Moreover, several measures and steps must be followed by a woman. They include the following:

1. Having a proper diet with sufficient water intake along with nutritional supplements is very important.
2. A woman during preconception care should quit smoking or reduce the amount of smoking profusely.
3. Large amount of caffeine should be avoided. A woman should consume less caffeine containing products such as coffee, chocolates or soft drinks.
4. Alcohol should be avoided strictly as it may reduce the chance of pregnancy.
5. Medication without recommendation of the doctor should be avoided. A woman should not use any medicine without being prescribed by the doctor.
6. Contact with any kind of chemical should be avoided and natural, environment-friendly cleaning products should be used.
7. Overheating of the body should be avoided, and a woman during preconception care should keep away from spas and saunas.
8. A regular exercise schedule must be taken up for health benefits regarding pregnancy. Lack of working out may give rise to various health problems in women before pregnancy.
9. Any kind of stressful activity should be abstained from, and a woman during preconception care should not lift heavy objects, which cause strain.
10. Relaxation techniques should be practiced by a woman to keep mentally healthy.

A woman during the preconception care period should follow all required guidelines given by a doctor. Avid care of the body should be taken to ensure a healthy childbirth. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a specilized gynaecologist and ask a free question.