Before I conceive

Gone are the days when pregnancy used to come as a surprise…..

Unplaned….

And sometimes even unintended….

Today’s women are aware that critical developmentn(organogenesis) of foetus( child in the womb) occurs between first 17 to 56 days.This is the time when many women do not even realise the existence of pregnanacy.o cover this critical period care only during the 9 months is not sufficient.

For a successful outcome of pregnancy  i.e. Happy MotherAnd Healthy Baby several steps need to be taken prior to conception itself.

Let us see what we can do?

• Emotional preparation

• Devote adequate time to the newborn

• Tolerate demands of baby

• Responsibility of bringing up a child

• Selflessness

• Tackle stress and frustration

• Lifestyle modifications

To maintain healthy weight and happiness by

• Change in diet

• Regular exercise

• Yoga

• Meditation

• Vitamins and Minerals supplements

• Necessary for baby”s development

• Deficiency can lead to birth defects

• Vaccination

Against a few viral diseases must be complete 3 months  before trying to conceive

• Tests

• Hb%

• Blood sugar

• HIV status

• Hepatiits B

• Syphillis

• Immunity testing for Rubella , chicken pox

• Habits

Abstain or at least cut down on

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Recreational drugs

• Existing risk factors

• History of genetic illness in family or in previous child

• Past history of miscarriage,preterm delivery,foetal growth restriction, pregnancy induced hypertension, diabetes in previous pregnancy

• Existing medical illness and drugs

The disease and the medicines used to control the disease  have effects on fertility and baby

Some medicines need to be changed/modified

Dose of medicines need adjustments before pregnancy

• Occupational hazards

• Exposure to toxins

• Use of electronic items