Five tips to prepare for pregnancy

By India Ogazi

Thinking of getting pregnant? If so, you’re probably wondering if you can afford to have a child or if there’s enough room in your home for one. But don’t forget to consider your health, too. Being physically prepared to carry a baby is just as important as being financially prepared.

If you’re planning to get pregnant, Dr. Vian Nguyen, director of OB-GYN services at Legacy Community Health, offers the following five tips:

1. Schedule a visit with your OB-GYN or family doctor. Having a check up to ensure you are at your optimal health will allow you to have a healthier pregnancy. Your provider can also review your immunizations to see if you need any vaccinations prior to getting pregnant.
2. Start taking a prenatal vitamin that has DHA in it, daily. Prenatal vitamins with DHA contain certain nutrients that are vital to the development of your baby.
3. If you have travel plans outside of the country, it would be important to discuss this with your provider to review any risks for infection (such as Zika) in the countries you plan to visit.
4. If you have a cat, start having someone else change the litter box. This will decrease the chances of a parasite transmission, called toxoplasmosis, which can cause serious complications for a pregnant woman.
5. If you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, you should stop. We know the risks of smoking and alcohol in pregnancy can lead to poor outcomes.

Expecting a child is both a joyous event and a big responsibility. And when you prepare properly, the pregnancy can have better outcomes. For more tips on a preparing to get pregnant, click here.