Body-Ready Checklist

You have taken the plunge and are now ready to conceive, to have another baby. But really—how ready are you? If you are not aware, nine months of pregnancy puts a strain on your body. Hence it is important that you have it its best condition to carry your little loved one. For a healthy you and for the looks that will keep the heads turning, Dr. William Obwaka, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist avails a checklist:

Health
Of prime importance is for you to be of optimal good health. This means going for overall body check up to ensure that there is no ailment that will be competing with your pregnancy for attention. Attend to this before conceiving.

Emotional readiness
A baby is not temporary. He or she will be there for the rest of your life: death notwithstanding. Your body may be ready for a child but are you ready or psychologically prepared to give them your best? Are you geared up for the late nights and constant interruptions on your steep? A baby requires attention and sacrifice. Since having a baby gives your life an overhaul in terms of responsibility you need to be emotionally settled to properly receive the challenge. Ideally you should undergo ‘pregnancy counseling’.

Medication
If you are normally on any medication, see your medical provider as soon as possible for advice. There are those conditions that require one to be constantly on medication, such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and the like. Your doctor is able to guide you on the safest way to go about it.

Infections
Treat and avoid infections -especially those that prey on the genital tract. They can in turn affect the baby.

Tests
It is advisable to get a HIV test done. Knowledge of HIV infection helps mothers and doctors prepare for the baby to avoid infection being transmitted.

Have a blood test to establish your rhesus factor. This establishes cases of rhesus incompatibility (95 to 97 per cent of the population are rhesus positive. Only two to five per cent is negative). Knowing in advance helps the mother and doctor to be on the lookout and prevent complication.

Get a syphilis test done before it spreads or progresses as it is known to harm not only you but also your unborn child.

Note: Your doctor should be in a position to recommend all the tests that you need depending on your health status.

Avoid drugs
Since no amount of alcohol and cigarette smoking is safe for your child, it is advisable to quit taking alcohol immediately you start trying to conceive. Quitting before conceiving is even a better option to allow the toxins to completely be washed out of your system before the baby.

Studies suggest that women who drink before pregnancy tend to have smaller babies. Persistent and significant drinking during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol syndrome, as a result of which infants may be born with brain, heart, and nervous system problems, distinctive facial abnormalities, and mental retardation.

Smoking makes it harder to conceive, irrespective of which partner is smoking, since it impairs fertility of both sexes. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and still births. Placental complications are also bound to arise One is also likely to get underweight babies if they smoke. Passive smoking also puts the baby at risk. You therefore need to avoid areas where you may be forced to inhale cigarette smoke passively. If you are addicted to smoking, talk to your doctor. Pregnancy should ideally motivate you to quit.

Caffeine
Should you be an avid coffee lover, it is advisable to start weaning yourself off your favourite beverage just before conceiving. Chances of a miscarriage are high if this does not happen, especially in the late first and second trimester.
You should not exceed one cup of coffee in a day.

Eat healthy
You eat for two while pregnant. Though a cliche, it is a fact. Eat well. Include the right foods in your diet. Remember that what you partake is also what the unborn Is consuming; albeit indirectly. Eat a balanced diet and avoid “being on a diet”. Pregnancy should extract from food what it requires, hence there is no need for supplements except those prescribed by your gynaecologist.

Exercise
This prepares you for labour and delivery. It would be ideal to start your exercise regime a year before conceiving. A woman who exercises regularly is more likely to have an easier pregnancy and delivery than otherwise: as pregnancy generally takes a toll on the physical. Engage in safe physical activities. Walks are a good and easy exercise when you eventually get bigger in pregnancy. Engage in exercises to strengthen the back, to help alienate your back pain – a common problem in pregnancy.

Weight
Ensure you reach your ideal Body Mass Index (8MI) weight before you conceive. If underweight chances are that you may not experience ovulation making chances of getting pregnant slim. Being underweight is also likely to have one get a premature baby. Even if you carry the baby to term, the baby is likely to be underweight thus no! strong enough to counter infection. Underweight women are bound to have babies that are premature

In case of being overweight, gestational diabetes is likely to result in a baby that weighs more than they should. For the mother, there is a higher chance of developing hypertension and diabetes.

Environment
Ensure that your surrounding, both at home and in the workplace, are free of chemicals that may be harmful to you and your child to come.

END:PG27/08-09