Contents
- 1 Conception and visit to the gynecologist
- 2 Conception and Toxo-test
- 3 Get the rubella vaccine
- 4 Conception and intake of folic acid
- 5 Conception and physical activity
- 6 Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- 7 Conception: Pap smear and vaginal swab
- 8 Be careful with medications
- 9 Concept and working conditions
- 10 Having sex at the right time
Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most important periods for a woman, but there are some things that need to be done before getting pregnant. In fact, it is necessary to organize not only the gestation period, but also the preceding one to ensure maximum health for the baby and for themselves. Getting pregnant without doing some testing first and eliminating any risk factors could be quite a dangerous move.
So here are some steps to take before conception.
Conception and visit to the gynecologist
A visit to the gynecologist is considered a must when the pregnancy test is positive. Consulting the doctor in advance, however, has advantages because it allows you to check the reproductive system and its conditions, and to know any obstacles to conception.
In addition, the visit is also aimed at reconstructing the family and personal anamnesis: in this way, the gynecologist will be able to evaluate the risk factors for example for hereditary diseases, genetic malformations and so on. The specialist can then have some tests performed, based on the couple's clinical history, in order to be able to intervene early if something is wrong.
Conception and Toxo-test
Among the tests prescribed by the gynecologist is the so-called Toxo-test which allows you to know if the expectant mother has antibodies against toxoplasmosis. The latter is a disease which, if contracted during pregnancy, could interfere with the latter in a very serious way. There is no vaccine against toxoplasmosis, but some rules of hygiene are essential: avoid eating raw meats or cured meats and touching the cat's feces.
Get the rubella vaccine
Vaccinations are undoubtedly important to protect us from some diseases. Before a pregnancy, if you have not contracted it, it is necessary to undergo one against rubella. It seems like a trivial disease, one of those "we all had as children", but with the belly it is risky for the fetus.
To find out if it has occurred, you must do the Rubeo-test, also prescribed by the gynecologist. If not, you need to get vaccinated. The vaccine must be done a few months before a pregnancy is sought because the virus is active, even if attenuated, and would risk creating damage if she becomes pregnant immediately.
Conception and intake of folic acid
Folic acid is a supplement that must be taken during the preconception period, at least one month before unprotected intercourse, and continued for at least the entire first trimester.
Folic acid has the benefit of preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The average recommended dosage is 0,4 mg per day. Only in exceptional cases should it be increased such as, for example, in obese or epileptic women. In these cases, 4-5 mg of folic acid per day can be reached.
To know more: Folic acid, why start it with conception
Conception and physical activity
To get pregnant, it is important to exercise, in order to achieve a normal weight and to follow a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity has positive effects on fertility and can help you achieve pregnancy in optimal physical condition. It is enough to go for a walk or swim, or even use a bicycle. The key element is consistency.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
In order to have a good pregnancy, you need to:
- eliminate alcohol and smoking;
- ban the use of any type of drug;
- try to reach a normal weight;
- avoid both underweight and excess weight, as they are possible causes of problems in pregnancy.
For the last two points in particular, it is recommended to review your diet: in fact, the latter must be as healthy, varied and balanced as possible.
Conception: pap smear and vaginal swab
The pap test allows to exclude any pathologies of the uterine cervix.
Furthermore, if necessary, the aspiring mother could be subjected, under the advice of the gynecologist, to a vaginal swab: the latter will allow to identify vaginal infections such as, for example, candida. In women over the age of 35 a breast evaluation is recommended.
Be careful with medications
When deciding to have a baby, it is imperative to consult with your doctor about any medications you are taking or will be taking shortly, including seemingly simpler formulations. Some components may not be suitable for those seeking pregnancy.
The doctor should also be warned if you take food supplements: not all of them are suitable for "expectant mothers".
Conception and working conditions
The healthiness of one's workplace is not a secondary aspect. It is important to avoid exposure to toxic substances, chemicals, or any situations that can cause infections. Even before pregnancy, these are risks not to be taken.
Having sex at the right time
Having sex at the right time is essential when trying to conceive a baby. In particular, they must be concentrated on the days of maximum fertility of the woman, in order to increase the chances of conception.
Typically, ovulation occurs around the 14th day of the cycle (over a 28-day cycle). But since it is a subjective fact, we must pay attention to the symptoms of ovulation.
