Q: I am planning to get pregnant, and it will be my first. I'm wondering if there are things I can do to help the process along.
A: You are doing one of the smartest “first steps” by asking about this very important time before conception! The weeks before you become pregnant are perfect for having medical and dental checkups, to be certain that you are in good health and current on immunizations and other aspects of preventive health. In addition, your health care provider will counsel you on risks that may affect your ability to become pregnant or to enjoy a healthy pregnancy and birth. Every woman needs to be assessed for risks relating to nutrition and weight, tobacco and substance use, occupational and environmental hazards, domestic violence, and genetic history. Lifestyle changes are often needed to reduce the risks of pregnancy loss, complications of pregnancy and birth, or long-term effects on the new baby. An example of one of these changes is a woman's decision to stop smoking, as it is well known that smoking may adversely affect eggs and sperm, thus making it more difficult to become pregnant. In addition, smoking contributes to a higher incidence of miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight babies, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), complications with the baby's placenta and developmental delays in the baby.
Q: I want to have a baby, but my doctor and nurse practitioner keep advising me that I should lose weight before I conceive. I am 5' 4” tall and weigh 185 lbs. I know I'm overweight, but won't I gain “baby weight” anyway? Why should I lose now?
A: Over the past 40 years the average American woman has gained less than an inch in height but more than 16% increase in her BMI (body mass index). That means that many women are much heavier than they should be for optimal health! The pre-pregnancy time is perfect for losing weight and gaining fitness to better the chances for all aspects of pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately, your weight puts you at much greater risk for problems conceiving when you desire, miscarriage, diabetes of pregnancy, increased discomfort during pregnancy, elevated blood pressure, and early labor and birth. There are so many benefits to attaining a healthy weight before you become pregnant, for you and your baby. I hope you accept the guidance of your health care providers, and take some time to improve your overall health before you conceive. It isn't easy, but it is the best gift you can give yourself and your family! Your energy, potential for a healthy pregnancy and baby and future well-being will all be benefited by the effort you put forth before starting your family!
Q: What are the advantages of knowing I am pregnant as early as possible?
A: Because of the advances that have been made in over-the-counter home pregnancy tests, women are now able to test for pregnancy even before a menstrual period has been missed. Detecting pregnancy early can mean earlier prenatal care, leading to healthier pregnancies. Early detection of pregnancy enables the health care provider to more accurately date the pregnancy, and this is very important as it reduces the risk of elective induction or Cesarean section resulting in a preterm birth. Women who are exposed to potentially harmful substances, environments or medications can more readily minimize those exposures when they know that they are pregnant as soon as possible. It takes a great deal of planning and adjustment to adapt to becoming a mother…every minute is important and most new moms believe that, in terms of discovering they are pregnant… the sooner the better!
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Kit Sharon Devine, MSN, RNC, ARNP
Kit Devine is a member of the March of Dimes Foundation's National Nurse Advisory Council, which provides counsel to the March of Dimes nursing education programs and guidance/development of nursing grand rounds, graduate nursing scholarships and nursing modules. Ms. Devine authored the "Challenges and Management of Infertility, Including Assisted Reproduction" module. She is president and co-owner of the Louisville Reproductive Center and a Women's Health nurse practitioner at Fertility and Endocrine Associates in Louisville, KY. Part of the Bellarmine University's adjunct faculty at the Lansing School of Nursing, Ms. Devine received her Masters and Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Bellarmine University and Associate of Science in Nursing from Western Kentucky University. She is a member of numerous professional associations in the nursing community including AWHONN and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
The March of Dimes does not endorse specific products or brands.
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