Heart 2 Heart Birth Center Preconception Planning Services

Michelle Gawne, LM, CPM

Kaleen Richards, CNM, ARNP

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Preconception Planning

Before becoming pregnant, many couples like to meet with a midwife and discuss what their childbirth options will be. It is a perfect time to discuss your health history, nutrition, current exercise, and perform a well woman gynecology visit and get a complete physical.

How can I prepare for a pregnancy?

If you are planning to become pregnant soon, there are steps you can take to make your pregnancy as healthy as possible.

See a doctor or midwife for a prepregnancy exam. Discuss the safety of any medications you're now taking, whether you've had all necessary immunizations, and any health problems or other concerns you may have.

Be sure to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which may increase your risk of miscarriage, especially around the time of conception or when used for more than a week.

Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with 0.4 mg (400 ug) of folic acid. This reduces the chance of having a baby with a birth defect.

See your dentist. Take care of any dental work you may need to have done.

Keep track of your menstrual cycle. This not only helps you know the best time to try to get pregnant but later gives your health professional a good idea of your fetus's developmental age.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a balanced diet. Cut down on caffeine. Avoid alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and medications or other substances that are unsafe during pregnancy.

Exercise regularly. A strong body helps you handle the demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. Exercise also helps keep your mood up.

If you are not sure when you are most fertile, use the interactive tool on your left of the screen to calculate your peak fertility dates.

Engaged or newly married and planning a family?

Perfect time to talk to a midwife!

Here are some other things to think about...

Click here to understand ovulation: www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html

Click here to calculate your most fertile day in your cycle www.fertilityfriend.com/landing104.html

Do you have insurance? www.maternitycard.net

What screening might I consider before, during or after pregnancy?

www.marchofdimes.org

Do you eat well? www.bradleybirth.com

Will you continue to work after the baby arrives? www.workingmother.com