The most important tips for those thinking of having a healthy baby (Preconception Health)

Becoming a mother is a dream of almost every woman. The greatest hope that comes with that dream is to give birth to a healthy, thriving child. So many people think that this preparation should start after conceiving a child, that is, after getting pregnant. But to really give the best start to a healthy child, your preparation should start even earlier. That is, from the time you are thinking about having a baby. That is what we are talking about today.

Why is it so important to prepare in advance?

Imagine, you might not even find out you're pregnant until about a month later. But did you know that some of the most crucial and important moments in your baby's development happen before you even know you're pregnant, in the first few weeks. The baby's vital organs, like the brain and spinal cord, begin to form during this time. So, there are a number of birth defects that can be prevented by preparing your body for it before you even try to have a baby. While preparing in this way in advance won't guarantee you a 100% problem-free pregnancy, it will give you the peace of mind that you've given your baby the best start possible.

Let's be careful about weight.

One thing that many people do is think about their body weight when planning to have a baby. This is very important. If you are overweight, that is, if your body mass index (BMI) is over 30, it can add certain risks to your pregnancy. For example, being overweight increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Also, studies have shown that overweight mothers have a slightly higher risk of stillbirth. So the best thing to do is to try to maintain your weight at a healthy level a few months before you start thinking about having a baby. But remember, it is not a good idea to try to lose weight (diet) at any time during pregnancy. Because it can have a fatal effect on the baby's development. So if you are going to lose weight, you should do it before getting pregnant.

Do you need to go see the doctor? (Preconception Check-up)

Yes, absolutely. If you are planning to have a baby, one of the best things to do is to see your doctor and get advice . This is called a 'preconception health check-up'. There, the doctor will talk about your and your family's medical history. You may discuss many things, such as medical conditions you have (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure), medications you take, and genetic diseases in your family. Accordingly, the doctor will advise you on any changes you need to make in your lifestyle. For example, if you are using birth control pills, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them two to three months before trying to get pregnant and switch to another method, such as condoms. This is because it takes some time for your menstrual periods to return to normal after you stop taking the pills. Once your menstrual cycle is regular, it is easier to calculate your due date. Knowing this date accurately is important for managing risk factors such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

The importance of vitamins and folic acid

When you go to see your doctor, one of the first things they'll probably tell you to start with is a vitamin called folic acid . While a healthy diet provides many nutrients, folic acid and iron are two nutrients that are especially important before and during pregnancy.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is essential for the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. Folic acid deficiency during the early weeks of pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as neural tube defects. An example is a condition called spina bifida . To reduce this risk, it is recommended that all women who are trying to conceive take at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid daily . This is most effective if you start taking folic acid at least 3 months before you start trying to conceive. This is because the damage may have already been done by the time you find out you are pregnant. So it is best to start early.

Iron

Iron is something that helps prevent anemia. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding or have recently had children, you may be at risk of anemia. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and start taking iron pills if necessary.

Lifestyle changes: stress and alcohol

Along with weight management and vitamins, there are two other aspects of your lifestyle that you should pay special attention to: stress and alcohol use.

Stress

Excessive stress can affect the hormonal activity of your body. In particular, stress affects the hormones that control ovulation. This can reduce your ability to get pregnant. Also, excessive stress can lead to complications during pregnancy such as premature birth (preterm labor). Therefore, try to manage stress by keeping your mind relaxed, meditating, and engaging in a hobby you enjoy, right from the time you are thinking about having a baby.

Alcohol

This is very important. You should completely stop drinking alcohol right from the time you are trying to conceive. The reason is that if you drink alcohol before you even know you are pregnant, that is, in the first few weeks, it can seriously harm the baby's development. The condition that occurs as a result is called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome . This can cause mental and physical disabilities that can affect the baby throughout its life. So, do not take any risks. Ultimately, this preparation is not only your responsibility, but also that of your partner. Deciding together to live a healthy lifestyle and to support each other will help make this journey a lot more successful. preconception health, preconception care sinhala, getting ready for baby, pregnancy, healthy baby, folic acid, weight loss, pregnancy preparation, women's health