If you are planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, you need to do many things to reduce the risks for both the baby and yourself, create a healthy environment for the developing fetus, and have a healthy baby.
Finding a suitable doctor who is experienced in pregnancy follow-up and birth will be the most important step for a healthy baby.
Pregnancy is not just a 9-month journey. The first weeks of pregnancy are the most important time for the baby and it is very important to stay away from harmful habits and foods during this period.
We need to prepare ourselves when we want a child. It is recommended that you be examined by your doctor 3 months before planning to become pregnant. During this examination, the mother's health status and plans for pregnancy are made.
It is important to see a gynecologist and obstetrician before getting pregnant. You may have health problems that will affect your pregnancy.
Adequate information should be obtained about common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, anemia and thyroid diseases on pregnancy and the effects of pregnancy on these diseases. Tests such as smear and blood tests, breast examination and, if necessary, vaccinations need to be done before pregnancy.
The first few weeks are the most important time for baby development. However, many women do not even realize that they are pregnant during this period.
Checking your own health is the most important thing to do before planning pregnancy, and you should definitely have your pre-pregnancy examination (preconceptional examination).
This examination should include the following:
Family medical history:Detection of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, mental retardation
Genetic test: Investigation of hereditary genetic diseases
Personal medical history:Detection of conditions that require special care during pregnancy, such as epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, anemia, allergies
Previous surgeries: Effect of previous surgeries, if any, on pregnancy
Previous pregnancies: Problems in previous pregnancies
Vaccination status:Whether vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and tetanus
Infection n status:Detection of the presence of a sexually transmitted or other infection that may harm the baby.
There are 3 important nutritional supports for healthy pregnancy and fetal development before conception. Most women know the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. However, the following 3 nutritional supplements during the pre-pregnancy period are important for fetal development and healthy pregnancy.
- Folic Acid: It is the only food that is needed twice during pregnancy. It is a vitamin. In women in the high-risk group (women with previous neural tube defects), folic acid showed a 72% protective effect and reduced the formation of neural tube defects (openings in the vertebrae). In another study, it provides an increase in the birth weight of babies and a decrease in infant growth retardation and infection in the mother.
- Zinc: It is necessary for fetal development and defense mechanisms. When the zinc level in the blood drops below 30% and zinc intake decreases during pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth and birth problems increase. In addition, low zinc levels cause brain anomalies, an increase in the rate of neural tube defects and an increase in the rate of low birth weight and pregnancy poisoning (preeclampsia and eclampsia).
- Essential Fatty Acids: It is important during pregnancy because it is new. They have important roles in the development of new cells, the formation of new tissues and the formation of organ systems. When the levels of essential fatty acids decrease during pregnancy, there is a slowdown in nervous system and body development. A decrease in premature birth and an increase in baby birth weights have been observed in women taking omega-3 supplements.
It would be good to make healthy changes in our lives 3 months in advance. A healthy diet for men and women increases the possibility of pregnancy.
For a Healthy Nutrition
Folic acid:It is necessary to take 400 micrograms every day. . This B vitamin reduces the risk of spina bifida (waist opening) by reducing neural tube defects in the baby. If there is a family history of neural tube defects, the folic acid dose should be increased. Folic acid is naturally found in dark green leafy vegetables and fruits (citrus fruits, walnuts, hazelnuts, legumes, grains). with these foods Additionally, 800 micrograms of folic acid should be supplemented daily. Since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, excess of it will be excreted from the body.
Calcium:A woman planning to become pregnant needs 1000 mg of calcium daily. It can be easily obtained from cheese, yoghurt, sardines, salmon and rice.
Vitamins: Multivitamin support is required in addition to diet.
Caffeine: It is important to stay away from coffee and chocolate. 200-300 mg of caffeine per day reduces fertility. It also reduces the absorption of iron and calcium.
Things to Stay Away: Artificial sweeteners, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drinks, teratogenic drugs. Smoking causes 20-30% of low birth weight babies. There is no amount of alcohol consumption that will not harm the baby. Recreational drugs such as marijuana cause problems such as pregnancy loss, low birth weight, premature birth, developmental delay, behavioral problems and learning difficulties. Teratogenic drugs and substances have a high probability of causing problems in the fetus during the 3-8 weeks of pregnancy. To avoid toxoplasma infection, there should be no contact with unvaccinated cats and dogs. Harmful substances should be avoided; Toxic and chemical substances (such as lead) and radiation are dangerous for the fetus.
Stress can delay or prevent ovulation, preventing you from getting pregnant. One should be as stress-free as possible.
Some of our habits should change
Exercise: You should start an exercise that suits you best. If you lose weight, you won't be as afraid of gaining weight during pregnancy. Walking, swimming, cycling and aerobics are the sports you can choose.
Sleep:Try to sleep 8 hours a day or enough for you.
Nutrition: You should start eating healthy. You should stay away from harmful foods. Raw or undercooked meat and raw eggs should not be eaten.
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