Preconception Visits Can be a Good First Step Toward a Healthy Pregnancy
SIOUX FALLS (April 1, 2008) - In an imperfect world, nothing can guarantee a perfect pregnancy and delivery. That doesn't mean that a little advance planning can't improve your odds.
When they decided to start a family, Lindsey and Jay Meyers of Harrisburg wanted to do everything they could to make sure they were ready. That included a visit to the doctor before even becoming pregnant.
"We talked about different options, such as genetic testing, which we opted not to have. I started taking prenatal vitamins, and as a runner, I asked about exercise and how much is recommended," Lindsey Meyers said. The couple are expecting their first child this month.
Dr. Amal Salama, obstetrician/gynecologist with Avera Women's Specialty Clinics, said a preconception visit is a great first step toward a healthy pregnancy. A top priority is to discuss any medications the woman may be on, and whether or not those medications are safe to take during pregnancy. "We also recommend women start taking a multivitamin daily to ensure they're getting the 400 mg of folic acid that's recommended to prevent neural tube defects."
Preconception visits are a time to discuss any health concerns that need further investigation, and the possibility of genetic testing. Cystic fibrosis is one such test, because two healthy parents could be carriers and not know it.
These visits also give prospective parents the chance to ask questions or bring up any concerns they might have, Dr. Salama said. "We should definitely see people who have any pre-existing medical problem, like hypertension or diabetes."
A preconception visit may just include meeting with the provider and reviewing medical history. "A lot of information can be gleaned from a good review of medical history," she said.
A physical examination may be in order, but mostly a lot of education and counseling about how to go forward with a healthy pregnancy. "Number one is just being healthy yourself and living a healthy lifestyle," Dr. Salama said. It's important to exercise, eat a balanced diet, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
"A lot of women have an alcohol exposure early in their pregnancy, when they had no idea they were pregnant. That just adds one more thing to potentially worry about," Dr. Salama said.
Tobacco use in pregnancy can restrict the growth of the developing baby, depriving the fetus of nutrients and oxygen. "Moms who smoke are also at risk for having pre-term babies," she said.
It's wrong to believe that smoking will make labor easier because the baby will be smaller. "That's a completely backward way to think about things. Even though the baby may be smaller, a preterm baby who has serious medical issues is not something we want to strive for," Dr. Salama said.
While caffeine is not tied to any specific birth defect, it's a good idea to limit intake. "That just relates to a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet," Dr. Salama said.
Because the majority of pregnancies are unplanned, most moms-to-be don't make it in for preconception visits. But Dr. Salama advises women to seek early prenatal care as soon as they know they're pregnant.
The best-laid plans don't always go as planned. While her pregnancy has been healthy so far, Meyers anticipates that she may have to go on bed rest as her due date approaches because her blood pressure has been high.
"You have to rely on your medical team - they know so much more than you do," Meyers said. "It really is a partnership between you, your spouse, and also your physician and nursing team. We'll all do this together when it's time."
"Maybe a Baby?" is a class especially designed for individuals and couples thinking about having a baby. This free event will be 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Avera McKennan Education Center, in the Orthopedic Institute building on the Avera McKennan campus. Please call 1-877-AT-AVERA to register.
For more information, click on "Pregnancy and Birth" under Medical Services on the Avera McKennan homepage. Or, check out the Pregnancy Health Center by clicking on "health library" in the upper right corner of our website.
