The emotional and mental dimensions of conception

News of pregnancy are ordinarily expected to bring joy and celebration to a woman and her partner. However, this may not always be the case; in fact, most women go into a state of multiple feelings immediately after learning they are pregnant.

Even in cases where pregnancy was planned, the woman faces new concerns – especially health, social and financial security – which may lead her to have a mixed reaction that blends joy and satisfaction with anxiety.

This is not to say that this kind of reaction is a bad thing, it is a natural consequence which tends to fade away with time as the woman settles down with the knowledge she is now pregnant.

Consultant gynecologist/obstetrician Dr. Joseph Kamau advises women who are planning to have a baby to critically look into certain issues and address them prior to conceiving. These may not only require personal and lifestyle adjustments to facilitate the conception process, they may 3S well put you at ease when you eventually receive the news of success in conceiving. They will also make certain of a healthier pregnancy both for you and baby.

According to Dr. Kamau, pre planning before conceiving is a good idea, physically, emotionally and mentally and it is a fundamental part of getting ready for pregnancy.

“For a start, having regular pregnancy health checks can help improve your chances of getting pregnant. This also contributes to maintaining your reproductive system and optimizing your health experience during the nine months in which you will be carrying the baby,’ he says

Apart from your health and well being, other issues that you will most likely be thinking about are the financial implications of the pregnancy and forthcoming baby, effect on your marriage, relationships and work, your family composition in terms of how many more children you would want to have and many others Al these factors boarder on your physical, mental and emotional state which if not taken into proper consul elation, would cause you a lot of stress, explains Dr. Kamau

Physical readiness
Physical preparation, according to a Kenyatta National Hospital nurse/midwife Mary Ochieng’, involves first and foremost, discontinuation of any contraceptives you have been using.

If you have been on the pill, for instance, you will need to stop taking the pills at least one or two months prior to trying to conceive As you do this, you will also need to schedule an appointment with your physician to get a physical examination done. Your doctor will most likely do a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities of the cervix and uterus. Pap test and probably blood and urine test to check for any health concerns that could interfere with a healthy pregnancy and your ability to carry a baby.

This could also be the right time to discuss with your doctors any family health concerns such as genetic abnormalities, chronic illness, unexplained deaths, hypertension and diabetes, says Ms. Ochieng’ In case any cause for a potential complication is discovered, learning how to manage the condition before you conceive would be the wise thing to do.

Some other medical factors that should be considered prior to attempts to get pregnant may include

• Checking for any possible infertility problems that could prevent you from conceiving.

• Beginning a programme of regular exercises to keep your body fit and your weight under control.

• Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, if you already engage in the habit

• Consuming the right kinds of food and taking essential nutrients to keep the reproductive system in perfect condition and ready for pregnancy.

• Ask your doctors what healthy foods to eat and those to avoid.

• Checking your work and home environment to guard against exposing yourself to certain toxins that could interfere with your grand plan. For instance paints, pesticides among others.

Emotional preparation

While dealing with your emotional well being, you will first and foremost reed to appreciate the fact that emotional needs vary from person to person Also, that emotional needs would probably require not just your personal involvement, but help from your Caregiver as well, in time, you will find tension relievers that are successful for you. However, some of the general things you can do to he p prepare emotionally for your pregnancy and the changes that come with it include:

• Pampering yourself to boost your esteem and up your emotional well being. This does net necessarily mean spending money; you could do things like maintaining a positive attitude, keeping a smile and generally doing things that bring you happiness.

• Develop a support system involving your family, friends, mother or anyone else that you can entrust your experiences with. You can even consult with other mothers to help you internalize any pregnancy expectations.

• If you have other children, it will help if you prepare them well in advance for the birth of the new baby. Sibling jealous and rivalry could throw you off balance and take a toll on you emotionally.

• Set it in your mind and accept that the arrival of a new baby will change your life Your attention may be divided or even shift from your spouse to the baby or from other children to the newborn Plan and discuss with your spouse in advance how you can handle this to ease your emotional pressure.

Mental preparation

Mentally, change your mind set to embrace the project ahead of you; pregnancy While doing this,  Ms Ochieng’ says, ensure you include your partner In every step of the planning. Talk about the prospects of having a baby, let your partner express how he feels about the idea.

• As a couple, evaluate your reasons for wanting to have the baby

• Consider the timing; is it appropriate for both of you?

• Explore the work involved in having and raising a child and the Impact it will have on your relationship.

• You could also talk about work schedules and the division of labour in the home Discuss and prepare yourself mentally about the responsibilities ahead and the kind of help you may require.

• Consider your finances and income as well and explore options of investing in your child’s education and health before hand.

• If employed, find out your company’s maternity leave policies so that you are prepared well in advance. Also speak to your insurance company to be sure your policy covers maternity, childbirth and related complications.

Dr. Kamau summarizes by advising mothers to comprehensively look at what pregnancy and child upbringing entails ‘There could definitely be some startling things pre and post pregnancy, but it serves you well to have a general overview of what to expect,’ he says.

To achieve this, you need to read about pregnancy as much as you can, talk to other mothers and consult your physician as often as possible.

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