Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a parent? If you don’t know what’s in store for you, well the number one thing that you should consider besides your finances is your health. Your health has an effect on your baby long before pregnancy and becoming a parent. As any future parent knows, caring for your baby begins long before you give birth. In fact, it should start from the moment you decide that you would like to have a baby. Making sure your health and wellbeing is in the utmost shape may make it easier for you to get pregnant, may make your pregnancy easier, and starts your baby off on the right track healthwise. These are some of the checks you should get before trying to conceive.
1. General Check-up
Even though you’ll have tons of doctor’s visits once you’re expecting, it’s best to schedule an appointment now because entering pregnancy in optimal health leads to a healthier pregnancy and a healthier parent. Your doctor will get an overall view of your health, which may mean a blood pressure check, blood test, pelvic exam, pap test, and other screenings. Your doctor will also address any chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, asthma, and autoimmune disorders to make sure they’re under control before you become pregnant.
The husband should see a doctor too since he can also expect similar tests about any lifestyle factors he has that may affect fertility or pregnancy.
2. Get Vaccinated
This is a must especially with a deadly virus lingering around the corner. This will likely also be part of your pre-conception visit. If you’re planning to become pregnant, it’s important to confirm your vaccinations are current and up to date so that you can avoid illnesses that may be harmful to the pregnancy or your baby. The ideal time to verify and get your vaccines is about 3-6 months before you plan to become pregnant.
3. Get checked for Sexually Transmitted Infections
No matter if you are in a monogamous relationship and you know in your heart your partner would never cheat, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your baby’s health could depend on it. Untreated STIs can cause very serious problems for your pregnancy and baby.
4. Genetic Testing
The actual test isn’t a must-do for everyone, but all intended parents should be educated about genetic testing so they can make an informed decision about what is the correct option for them. The test will help determine if you or your partner carries abnormal genes linked to certain diseases that might then be passed on to your baby.
5. Dental Checkup
During pregnancy, your body goes through hormonal changes that may cause excessive gum inflammation, which is known as pregnancy gingivitis. So it’s best to make sure your mouth is in good condition before you’re pregnant. That way you’ll have time to correct any issues.
6. Mental Health Check
Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health when you’re planning to become pregnant. So it’s crucial to make sure your mental health and your partners are in check before pregnancy. If one of you has or has had mental health problems in the past, it’s a good idea to visit your care provider because pregnancy itself can bring on symptoms or worsen existing ones.
If you want to find affordable and quality health care service, you should visit Kaiser Medical Center! Kaiser Medical Center Inc. provides a wide array of diagnostic and medical care services to keep healthy, ranging from immediate quality medical care to instilling health literacy and healing, to consultation to individuals and companies all over the Philippines. Schedule an appointment today.
