Planning For Pregnancy

If you are thinking of having a baby, planning your pregnancy may increase your chances of conceiving, and having a healthy and successful pregnancy. Pregnancy planning includes an understanding of the reproductive cycle, preparing your body for the pregnancy and taking care of any medical condition or family medical history which may have an effect on the pregnancy.

As a first step to planning for a pregnancy, whether it is your first pregnancy or you have been pregnant before, it is advised to make an appointment with an obstetrician and gynaecologist to discuss your health and any risk factors that you may have, as well as medicines you may be taking.

In addition, you should do the following:

• Stop using any form of birth control

• Reduce intake of coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks

• Eat healthy food and cut back on junk food

• Lose any extra weight

• Choose seafood carefully, avoiding the type that is high in mercury

• Get vaccinated against Chickenpox and Rubella, which can be dangerous for the baby during pregnancy

• Take vitamins and supplements as advised by your physician

When to seek expert advise

Your physician from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Aga Khan University Hospital will go over a detailed health history, including your family history to identify any disease or condition which may affect your chances of conceiving or after that, the health of the baby.

Prepare to discuss these details with your physician, and in addition list out any medication you are on, including homeopathic or herbal medicines, whether taken regularly or sometimes. This information can help your physician identify if your medicines can cause harm to the baby.

It will be ideal to have a preparatory discussion with your doctor if you intend to conceive over the next 3 to 6 months. This will allow you to get a head start on modifying your lifestyle and diet.