Talking about sex can feel awkward. Learn 5 ways to discuss consent, boundaries, STI testing, pregnancy, and more with your...
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There may come a time in a woman’s life that she may wonder, what if I become pregnant? What should I do before getting pregnant? Should I take any precautions? What things can I do? What shouldn’t I do before I’m pregnant – before I’m even thinking about buying a pregnancy test? These are all questions that can be answered, even when a pregnancy is not planned.
You can start with preconception counseling. Even if this is not your first pregnancy, you can speak with your provider three months before conception and discuss your medical history, genetics, and possibly your vaccine status.
You may also receive an intimate partner violence screening. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that anyone who is planning a pregnancy be screened for IPV.
Before getting pregnant, you also may want to have the doctor provide a physical exam, including a Pap smear and pelvic exam, and blood work.
Your body will go through many changes during pregnancy, so it is important to prepare your body for pregnancy. There are many ways to prepare your body for good health before pregnancy.
Some are:
These are key components to good and better health overall.
Other key factors can also help before pregnancy. Especially as you prepare for pregnancy, it is safe to avoid the intake of harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, cigarette use, and vaping. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs. Also, some of the flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be harmful to a developing baby.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol used during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beers.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) discourages using marijuana during pregnancy. If you’re using marijuana and are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider. It is never too late to stop using these substances, even if you are already pregnant. If possible, though, it is wise to avoid any harmful substance intake before getting pregnant.
Avoiding infections, such as STIs, before pregnancy is important. Multiple partners increase your chance of an STI. You may want to get tested for STIs before getting pregnant. You are important and getting screened for STIs says you care about yourself and you want to stay safe.
One big thing you can do for a healthy pregnancy is start taking PNV (prenatal vitamins) before pregnancy. Make sure you take a prenatal vitamin or a daily vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (also called neural tube defects).
About half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Even if you weren’t planning on getting pregnant, it’s not too late to develop safe habits once you are pregnant. Talk with your OB about your best next steps and try not to dwell on what you may or may not have done before learning you were pregnant. Once you know, you can begin making healthy choices for yourself and your baby – and that’s what matters most.
Whether you are planning to become pregnant or have an unplanned pregnancy, we here at Alcove Health can help.
Our free and confidential services include:
Call us or click the button below to request your free and confidential appointment today.
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