Preconception Health: Essential Steps for a Healthy Pregnancy

Preconception health is crucial for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and the well-being of both the mother and the baby. However, it becomes difficult for new couples to understand what they should do and what they shouldn’t.

If you are one of those couples, then you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will cover why preconception care and preparing for parenthood is crucial. But first, let’s look at why preconception counselling is important.

Why Preconception Counselling is Important for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Preconception counselling is the crucial first step in preconception care, as it provides essential guidance and information to individuals planning to become pregnant. It covers topics such as health assessment, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and medical optimization, helping future parents understand how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. 

This counselling is vital because it empowers individuals to identify and address potential risks, optimize their health, and increase the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy, ultimately benefiting both the mother and the baby.

Essential Steps and Tips for Healthy Pregnancy

Now that you are aware of the first step toward a healthy pregnancy, let’s look at some other crucial tips and steps:

Folic Acid Supplementation

Begin taking a daily folic acid supplement (400-800 micrograms) at least one month before conception. Adequate folic acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby.

Assess Medications

Discuss any medications or supplements you are currently taking with your healthcare provider. Some medications may need to be adjusted or discontinued during pregnancy, so it's essential to have a plan in place.

Screen for Infections

Make sure you are up-to-date on vaccinations and get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Untreated STIs can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Exercise Regularly

Engage in regular physical activity to improve your overall fitness, manage stress and maintain a healthy weight which is a sign of good preconception health.

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a safe exercise routine during preconception and pregnancy.

Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or epilepsy, ensure that they are well-controlled before conceiving. Work closely with your healthcare team to manage these conditions.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but if proper care is not taken it might turn into a hurtful experience. Hence, you must start making lifestyle changes like meditating to reduce stress, stop smoking and start educating yourself on pregnancy.

However, before doing all of this on your own, you should be a responsible couple and take the first step- enrol for preconception care and counselling today!

FAQ’s on Healthy Pregnancy

What Can I Do to Avoid Miscarriage?

To lower the chances of experiencing a miscarriage, it's crucial to heed the guidance provided during preconception counselling and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Follow the above-mentioned points and seek advice from your OB-GYN, and you should be fine. Also, you can join Newmi Care’s Preconception Plan, they will take care of everything from diet to fertility yoga, gynae consultation to required tests.