Plan, don ‘t just conceive

Times have really changed. Decades ago when our parents, grandparents and great grandparents were building their families, it was not necessary -nay, no one talked about the need to plan before getting pregnant. Some of the detail we go into today when preparing for the unborn was truly not necessary because of the kind of lifestyles then. Today one of the issues a couple that is planning to get married find themselves grappling with is-“exactly how many children do we want to have?” A big variance in opinion can indeed become a deal breaker!

Dr David Ombengi, a researcher on women issues, attributes this paradigm shift to our changed lifestyles. He notes the fact that the most critical period in your baby’s development occurs before you even know that you are pregnant. Every parent wants the best possible outcome for their newborn, hence the quest to acquire relevant information on the same.

While nothing is risk-free, one of the best ways to ensure a good birthing experience and a healthy baby is to speak to your doctor before the child is even conceived. This could range from between three months to one year in advance.

You may be required to make some very important choices for yourself and your unborn baby, which Dr Ombengi says will minimize the risk of birth defects and ensure you have the best possible birthing environment.

What your doctor will look for:
Medical research. shows that birth weight and the overall well being of new-born babies, as well as the incidence of birth defects, go with how well the mother was cared for and the activities she engaged in during pregnancy. Factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases have a direct relationship with premature births, low birth weight and miscarriages. ‘Doctors will most likely look at your medical history as a couple, your lifestyles and recommend that you change any behaviour or habits that might pose a threat to the baby’s health: explains Dr Ombengi. Some of the things your doctor may want to know are:

• Information about diseases in your family.
• History of any previous pregnancies or miscarriages.
• The overall well being and fitness of the couple, especially the mother-to-be.
• Your lifestyle and eating habits.
• Your general activities both at home and when out socializing, for example your drinking habits and whether either of you smokes.

Preconception planning will also give you an opportunity to be tested for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Aids to protect you and your unborn child from harm.

Couples also need to be informed of the physical and emotional demands pregnancy puts on a mother-to-be so that the father knows what to expect and how do handle changes in his partner that come with pregnancy. ‘Apart from reviewing potential problem areas, planning ahead to have a baby allows a couple to know in advance the importance of taking folic acid and when to start, as well as the essence of having a well balanced diet: reiterates Dr Ombengi.

Want to know more than what your doctor will be looking out for?

• Ask your doctor about your immune system and your general well being and capability of you carrying the pregnancy. This may include tests on your weight and fertility
• What other lifestyle changes apart from smoking and drinking your partner and you should make before trying to conceive. For example, limiting caffeine intake, changing jobs or seeking reassignment in case your work involves coming into contact with hazardous substances.
• If it is safe for you to start or continue exercising. Ask your doctor to advice you on, whether your exercise should be moderate or intense.
• Whether your immunisations are up-to-date. It is particularly important to ensure that you are safe from both rubella and chicken pox.
• Whether any pre-existing health conditions such as sickle cell, diabetes or high blood pressure are likely to have an impact on your pregnancy and what could be done to manage these conditions to safeguard your pregnancy.
• If it is safe for you to continue taking any prescribed medications or even over- the-counter drugs that you may be using at the time. If you are using any herbal medicines, confirm with your doctor if it is safe to continue taking them.
• Whether you and your partner are good candidates for genetic counselling as a result of any chronic family complications,
• Find out whether your gynecological or obstetrical history poses a risk to your potential pregnancy.

It is also very important that you engage your doctor in any other concern that you may have. This way, you will minimise your anxieties before, during and even after pregnancy.

END: PG 36 /11