The selection of your physician or other health care provider will be one of your first important decisions. Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable, whose outlook and treatment of pregnancy is closely aligned with your own beliefs. Referrals from family, friends and other trusted sources are good places to start.
Come armed with questions to your first visit. You should also come prepared to answer questions, so you will need to have a good grasp of your own health history.
We suggest you discuss the following topics:
- Menstrual cycle timing and regularity
- Past or current illnesses that might affect your ability to conceive
- Sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), etc.
- Past miscarriages, prior pregnancies or birth defects
- Your medical history and your partner's as well
- Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and vitamins (especially folic acid)
- Exercise and eating habits
Request
Now is the time to get started on a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
Review
Go over your immune status to childhood diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella, etc. with your doctor.
Seek
Seek out and carefully follow your doctor's advice.
Evaluate
Consider your current contraception. Experts recommend that you stop using the birth control pill at least three to four months before becoming pregnant. Think about using this time to discuss contraception alternatives.
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