Knowledge | Start Preparing 6 Months Before Pregnancy? Experts Explain Seven Key Preconception Health Measures
Many people view pregnancy as a journey that begins with a positive pregnancy test. A growing number of experts, however, say preparation should begin 6 months before trying to conceive. This can affect both the ability to conceive and the health of the fetus.
“If you want a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, both you and your partner should make lifestyle changes,” emphasizes Dr. Sherry Ross, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
The following preconception health checklist reflects guidance from several obstetric specialists and is relevant to anyone planning a pregnancy.
1. Stop Smoking as Early as Possible, Including E-Cigarettes
Smoking reduces the chance of conception in both men and women.
Dr. Ross notes that smoking can reduce sperm count and cause abnormal sperm morphology in men. In women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and possibly sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Nicotine in e-cigarettes can also affect fetal brain and lung development. “Quitting often takes repeated attempts—an average of 30—so the earlier you begin, the better.”
2. Begin Weight Management Early
Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy can affect both the likelihood and safety of pregnancy. Dr. Randy Fiorentino, an obstetrician-gynecologist at St. Joseph Hospital, notes:
Excess weight may lead to gestational diabetes, hypertension, and fetal macrosomia;
Low weight may lead to preterm birth or abnormal development of the fetal spine.
Clinicians recommend knowing your BMI and keeping it within an appropriate range. Regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains are important. Consult a dietitian if you need help improving your diet.
3. Start Vitamins Early, Especially Folic Acid
Doctors previously advised women to begin folic acid after pregnancy was confirmed. Current best practice is to start a prenatal multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid while trying to conceive.
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and is essential to development of the fetal brain and nervous system.
Another important nutrient is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. A daily intake of 200mg supports fetal brain development. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so ask your doctor whether a separate supplement is needed. Vitamin D deficiency may also affect conception and should be monitored and corrected.
4. Review Your Family History, Including Rare Genetic Disorders
Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has diabetes, epilepsy, developmental delay, or a birth defect. This information directly affects which genetic screening tests may be recommended.
For example, Tay-Sachs disease is a rare inherited neurological disorder that is more common among people of Eastern European Jewish ancestry. A blood test can determine carrier status and assess the risk of passing it to a child.
5. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol, Including Legal Marijuana
Although marijuana is legal in some states, it can still adversely affect conception.
Research indicates that marijuana use can reduce sperm count in men and the likelihood of conception in women. Illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause severe fetal harm and must be avoided.
Although it remains unclear whether an occasional drink affects the chance of conception, experts recommend avoiding alcohol completely while trying to conceive because no level of alcohol exposure is considered safe for a fetus.
6. Limit Caffeine to Fewer Than Two Cups
Research indicates that more than 500mg of caffeine daily, about 3–4 cups of coffee, may affect the likelihood of conception and increase miscarriage risk.
“One study found that couples consuming more than two caffeinated drinks daily while trying to conceive had a higher risk of miscarriage,” says Dr. Fiorentino. Complete avoidance is preferable, but if caffeine is needed, he recommends no more than one cup per day.
7. Discuss Your Health With Your Doctor Early
If you have a chronic condition such as hypertension, thyroid disease, or diabetes, tell your doctor in advance so treatment can be adjusted to avoid fetal harm.
Also provide a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. Your doctor can assess their safety and recommend suitable alternatives.
Final Advice: Do Not Rely on “Dr. Google”
With so much information online, people trying to conceive can easily be misled by personal experiences shared on social media.
Dr. Fiorentino cautions, “A great deal of misinformation about pregnancy and prenatal care circulates online. Opinions are repeated within communities until they are mistaken for scientific evidence. Always consult a qualified doctor before acting.”
Knowledge | Start Preparing 6 Months Before Pregnancy? Experts Explain Seven Key Preconception Health Measures
Knowledge | Start Preparing 6 Months Before Pregnancy? Experts Explain Seven Key Preconception Health Measures
Many people view pregnancy as a journey that begins with a positive pregnancy test. A growing number of experts, however, say preparation should begin 6 months before trying to conceive. This can affect both the ability to conceive and the health of the fetus.
“If you want a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, both you and your partner should make lifestyle changes,” emphasizes Dr. Sherry Ross, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
The following preconception health checklist reflects guidance from several obstetric specialists and is relevant to anyone planning a pregnancy.
1. Stop Smoking as Early as Possible, Including E-Cigarettes
Smoking reduces the chance of conception in both men and women.
Dr. Ross notes that smoking can reduce sperm count and cause abnormal sperm morphology in men. In women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and possibly sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Nicotine in e-cigarettes can also affect fetal brain and lung development. “Quitting often takes repeated attempts—an average of 30—so the earlier you begin, the better.”
2. Begin Weight Management Early
Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy can affect both the likelihood and safety of pregnancy. Dr. Randy Fiorentino, an obstetrician-gynecologist at St. Joseph Hospital, notes:
Excess weight may lead to gestational diabetes, hypertension, and fetal macrosomia;
Low weight may lead to preterm birth or abnormal development of the fetal spine.
Clinicians recommend knowing your BMI and keeping it within an appropriate range. Regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains are important. Consult a dietitian if you need help improving your diet.
3. Start Vitamins Early, Especially Folic Acid
Doctors previously advised women to begin folic acid after pregnancy was confirmed. Current best practice is to start a prenatal multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid while trying to conceive.
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and is essential to development of the fetal brain and nervous system.
Another important nutrient is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. A daily intake of 200mg supports fetal brain development. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so ask your doctor whether a separate supplement is needed. Vitamin D deficiency may also affect conception and should be monitored and corrected.
4. Review Your Family History, Including Rare Genetic Disorders
Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has diabetes, epilepsy, developmental delay, or a birth defect. This information directly affects which genetic screening tests may be recommended.
For example, Tay-Sachs disease is a rare inherited neurological disorder that is more common among people of Eastern European Jewish ancestry. A blood test can determine carrier status and assess the risk of passing it to a child.
5. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol, Including Legal Marijuana
Although marijuana is legal in some states, it can still adversely affect conception.
Research indicates that marijuana use can reduce sperm count in men and the likelihood of conception in women. Illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause severe fetal harm and must be avoided.
Although it remains unclear whether an occasional drink affects the chance of conception, experts recommend avoiding alcohol completely while trying to conceive because no level of alcohol exposure is considered safe for a fetus.
6. Limit Caffeine to Fewer Than Two Cups
Research indicates that more than 500mg of caffeine daily, about 3–4 cups of coffee, may affect the likelihood of conception and increase miscarriage risk.
“One study found that couples consuming more than two caffeinated drinks daily while trying to conceive had a higher risk of miscarriage,” says Dr. Fiorentino. Complete avoidance is preferable, but if caffeine is needed, he recommends no more than one cup per day.
7. Discuss Your Health With Your Doctor Early
If you have a chronic condition such as hypertension, thyroid disease, or diabetes, tell your doctor in advance so treatment can be adjusted to avoid fetal harm.
Also provide a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. Your doctor can assess their safety and recommend suitable alternatives.
Final Advice: Do Not Rely on “Dr. Google”
With so much information online, people trying to conceive can easily be misled by personal experiences shared on social media.
Dr. Fiorentino cautions, “A great deal of misinformation about pregnancy and prenatal care circulates online. Opinions are repeated within communities until they are mistaken for scientific evidence. Always consult a qualified doctor before acting.”
Story source
Collected online