Pre-Pregnancy Preparation: Recommendations for Expectant Mothers
Pregnancy is a significant milestone in every woman’s life. During this period, steps taken to protect the health of both mother and baby are extremely critical. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Gizem Akça, explains in detail the preparations that need to be made before pregnancy.
Pregnancy Checkup: The First Step
When you think about getting pregnant, obstetrician and gynecologist The first step should be to consult with the doctor. In the preparatory examination, conditions that may pose a risk to the mother or the baby are checked together with the gynecological examination. Dr. Gizem Akça states that during the examination, the genital organs, uterus and ovaries are evaluated, and cervical cancer screening tests (Pap-smear and/or HPV test) are also performed.
Emotional and Social Preparation
Pregnancy is full of not only physical changes but also emotional and social changes. Being prepared for this process can reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Therefore, it is important to strengthen communication with your partner, build your social support networks and clarify your expectations about the role of motherhood. Getting psychological counseling can help you cope with stress during this process. It is also beneficial to learn about the physiology of pregnancy and birth.
Healthy Nutrition and Active Life
A balanced diet is critical for a healthy pregnancy. Mediterranean diet, is rich in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and proteins. Dr. Gizem Akça emphasizes that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is effective in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. It should also be remembered that a healthy lifestyle strengthens the immune system and supports mental balance.
Body Mass Index and Pregnancy
Being overweight or underweight can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. It is recommended that the body mass index (BMI) be between 18.5-24.9. Overweight women have an increased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, while underweight women may have an increased risk of developmental delays and premature birth.
Dental Health Check
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of teeth and gum problems. Dental infections can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Therefore, it is important to have your dental health checked and any problems treated before pregnancy.
Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking not only reduces fertility, but also increases the risk of premature birth, ectopic pregnancy, and low birth weight. Quitting smoking before pregnancy will significantly reduce these risks. Alcohol consumption also poses risks, so women planning a pregnancy are advised to quit drinking alcohol completely.
Management of Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases can threaten the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of congenital anomalies. Therefore, if there are conditions such as thyroid disease, psychiatric diseases, hypertension, a specialist should definitely be consulted.
Review Vaccination Status
Infections such as rubella, hepatitis B and chickenpox can pose a risk during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for expectant mothers to have their immune status checked and complete the necessary vaccinations. It should be noted that pregnancy should be postponed for one month after live virus vaccinations.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Deficiencies of values such as iron, B12 and vitamin D should be supported with supplements before pregnancy. Deficiency of these vitamins can increase the risk of birth complications. However, it is always necessary to consult a specialist before using any supplements.
Folic Acid Supplement
Folic acid plays a critical role in brain and spinal cord development. Taking 1 micrograms of folic acid daily for 3-400 months before pregnancy is of great importance in preventing neural tube defects. It should be noted that folic acid cannot be taken in sufficient amounts through food, so it must be supplemented.
