I'm in my early 30s so have lots of friends and family who are starting or expanding their families with babies. It's an exciting time in life and so lovely when we get to meet the bubs and watch them grow into little people. There are so many things to consider when having a child. I thought I'd focus on some of the things you can do to best medically prepare yourself and your body for pregnancy.
Firstly, it's a good idea to see your family doctor for a medical check-up. This is particularly important if you are taking any medications as they can cross the placenta into the baby. Some medications are safe, some should be used with caution and some should not be taken at all during pregnancy. By discussing your medications with your doctor before you start trying to become pregnant, you can weigh up the risks and perhaps even change to a medication known to be safe with plenty of time. Don't forget to mention over-the-counter medications and herbal or complementary medicines as these can also affect your baby.
You should also discuss immunisations with your doctor. If you are unsure about what immunisations you have had, you can organise blood tests to check your immunity status. It is important that you are fully immunised against chicken pox, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. If you require any 'live' vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella or chicken pox, you should wait one month before trying to become pregnant. It is also a good time for any other people who live with you to update their immunisations too as this will reduce the risk of these diseases being passed on to your baby.
It is recommended that women who are intending to become pregnant take 0.5mg of folic acid for one month before pregnancy and at least the first three months during pregnancy. Folic acid has been proven to reduce to risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Some women, such as those with a family history of spina bifida or cleft palate or are taking medication for epilepsy, are recommended to take higher doses. Once again, speak to your doctor.
Some women choose to take a multivitamin either before and/or during pregnancy. Discuss this with one of our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy as excess amounts of certain vitamins such as Vitamin A can actually be harmful to your baby.
Iodine is a mineral which helps with the development of the thyroid hormone. Iodine is found is most breads as well as eggs, meat, dairy and seafood. It is also in some pregnancy multivitamins. Women who are pregnant should switch to iodised salt (rather than uniodised salt) when cooking.
No completely safe level of alcohol consumption has been determined for pregnant women. Many women choose to abstain from alcohol completely and some will allow the occasional drink. Keep in mind that there is a higher risk if alcohol is consumed early in the pregnancy, including the time prior to the first missed period. Speak to your family doctor or obstetrician with any concerns.
If you are a smoker, it's the perfect time to quit. Smoking can increase your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth and babies of mothers who smoke are at a higher risk of low birth weight, being born prematurely and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can discuss options with you to help you to quit.
It's wise to limit your caffeine intake if you are trying to become pregnant as there is evidence that it can decrease fertility. Don't forget that caffeine is also present in some soft drinks and energy drinks. Guarana, an ingredient also often in energy drinks, is not recommended during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, you also need to be aware of the potential risk of Listeria and Salmonella infection. The risk of catching these bacteria is small, but it can be dangerous if it passes to your baby. Always practice good food handling hygiene and if you are eating reheated food such as leftovers, make sure it is piping hot. Avoid foods such as soft cheeses, cold cooked chicken or deli meats, whole egg, pate, soft serve ice-cream and raw seafood.
It's also worth having a dental check-up prior to becoming pregnant as generally, procedures such as x-rays aren't recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning on having your baby in a private hospital, you should also check your level of health insurance and make sure you are aware of any waiting periods.
So yes, there's lots to think about, but by doing some groundwork in advance, you're giving yourself, and your baby, the best start to life. Pop into Berwick Pharmacy anytime for advice on pregnancy or any other
health issues. We even sell home pregnancy tests for when the time comes.
Here's a cute cartoon I found...
References and further reading
- Immunisation and Pregnancy Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published July 2011 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
- Pregnancy and Drugs Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published March 2010 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
- Preparing for Pregnancy - Your Health Fact Sheet, Royal Women's Hospital, published January 2008 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
- Food Safety During Pregnancy Fact Sheet, Royal Women's Hospital, published January 2012 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
