Did you think about these things before having a baby? (Preconception Care) Let's talk!

Are you getting ready to start a family? Then there are some important things we need to talk about to help keep you and your baby healthy. Many people think that you should only seek medical advice when you're about to have a baby. But in fact, it's really important to take care of your health as soon as you start thinking about having a baby, even before you get pregnant. Let's see what those things are.

Why is this pre-pregnancy preparation so important?

Imagine you are starting to build a beautiful house. The house will stand strong if the foundation is strong, right? That's how it is with this one. Keeping your body healthy and strong is the best foundation to lay before conceiving a baby. We call this `(Preconception Care)` . Simply put, care before pregnancy.

So, if you are planning to have a baby, the best thing to do first is to meet with your family doctor or a gynecologist and get a complete medical examination (a ``checkup''). This will help determine whether you are in good health and whether you have any medical conditions that could affect your pregnancy. Routine blood tests, urine tests, etc. will be done at this time.

If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms (e.g. loss of appetite, constant fatigue, body aches), this is the best time to tell your doctor about them. Don't hide anything, even if it's small. It could affect your future pregnancy.

Do you already have any chronic conditions?

Now imagine that you already have diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies, lupus, or a mental health condition like depression. So, before you think about having a baby, you should definitely talk to your doctor about how these conditions might affect your pregnancy.

You may need to change or stop taking some of the medications you are currently taking. There are some medications that can harm the development of the baby (the fetus), especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (the ``First Trimester''). Therefore, your doctor will advise you about them. Or, he or she will tell you how to better manage your condition.

For example, if a mother has diabetes, she needs to work very hard to control her blood sugar levels from the time she starts thinking about having a baby, and throughout her pregnancy. Otherwise, it can affect the baby. This is like a fence around a house, when the disease is controlled, the baby is protected.

Shall we also talk about habits that can harm the baby?

This is also very important. If you or your husband have any habits that could be harmful to the baby's health, this is a good time to talk to your doctor about them. We're mainly focusing on drinking alcohol and smoking here.

Alcohol is not at all suitable during pregnancy. It can have a very negative impact on the baby's brain development and physical development. Therefore, if you are expecting a baby, it is best to stop drinking alcohol completely. Think about it, just like you prepare the soil well before planting a seed, your body also needs to be the best environment for your baby.

Smoking is the same. If you smoke, it reduces the amount of oxygen your baby gets, which can stunt your baby's growth, cause low birth weight, and even lead to miscarriage. Even if you don't smoke, if you are around someone who smokes (we call that ``Passive Smoking''), it is also harmful to your baby. So trying to quit these habits is the biggest gift you can give your baby.

These vitamins are essential! (Essential Vitamins)

Another important thing to start doing when you're thinking about having a baby is taking a prenatal vitamin, a vitamin specifically designed for pregnant women. These usually contain nutrients like folic acid, calcium, and iron .

Of these , folic acid is extremely important. Because it helps prevent complications called neural tube defects that can occur during the early development of the baby's nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). These conditions called neural tube defects occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy. That means often before a mother even knows she is pregnant. That is why it is important to take folic acid as soon as you start thinking about having a baby. Your doctor will recommend the right amount of folic acid for you. Usually, they tell you to take at least 400 micrograms per day.

Iron prevents you from developing anemia. Iron is very important during pregnancy because you and your baby need more blood. Calcium is essential for the development of your baby's bones and teeth. These vitamins are like giving water and fertilizer to a plant.

Does anyone in the family have genetic diseases? (Genetic Concerns)

If anyone in your family or your husband's family has a genetic disorder (e.g., thalassemia, Down syndrome), or if you think either of you may be a carrier of such a disease, it is wise to talk to your doctor about it as well.

If so, your doctor can refer you to genetic testing. If necessary, you can also seek the services of a genetic counselor. This will help you understand the risk of your unborn baby having a genetic disorder and what can be done about it. Don't worry, this is to help you make the best choice.

There are a few other small things to pay attention to.

In addition to things like vitamins and medications, it's a good idea to make small changes to your daily lifestyle.

• Start reducing your caffeine intake: Tea, coffee, some chocolates, and some soft drinks contain caffeine. It's best to limit yourself to one cup of coffee a day. Consuming too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet: Try to eat a balanced diet that includes everything from vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, meat, fish, eggs, and milk. Reduce sweets, oily foods, and fast foods as much as possible. Your body is your baby's first home. It's important to keep it clean and nutritious.
• Exercise regularly: Doing simple exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga for at least 30 minutes a day is very good for your physical and mental health. However, ask your doctor before doing heavy or strenuous exercise.

Also, make sure you have all your immunizations up to date. For example, the rubella vaccine. If you have not had rubella, you should get this vaccine at least a month before you get pregnant. This is because rubella during pregnancy can be very dangerous for the baby. It is also a good idea to get the flu shot every year.

What if you suddenly get pregnant before doing these things?

Now you may be thinking, 'Oh, what if I get pregnant before I've done any of these things properly?' Don't worry! There's no need to panic if that happens. It's not too late to get the care you and your baby need. You can start all of this by seeing a doctor as soon as you find out you're pregnant. The main thing is not to panic and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

So, let's summarize what we've talked about. (Take-Home Message)

Expecting a baby is a beautiful time in life. To make that journey even more beautiful and bring a healthy baby into this world, it's best to take care of your health before you get pregnant.

• See a doctor first: Get a complete ``checkup`` and learn about your health status.
• Control existing medical conditions: If you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, control them so that they don't affect your pregnancy.
• Folic acid is a must: start taking it from the time you're thinking about having a baby.
• Get rid of harmful habits: Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes completely.
• A healthy lifestyle: Get used to eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Take care of vaccinations: Get the necessary vaccinations on time.

Remember, all of this is done to ensure a healthy future for you and your precious baby. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. He or she will be able to help you.

` Pregnancy Care, Pre-Pregnancy Care, Preconception Care, Before Pregnancy, Folic Acid, Healthy Pregnancy, Baby's Health