Increasing Your Chances for A Healthy Pregnancy

 

If you are thinking of starting a family, there are many things you can do to prepare for this joyous and exciting time in your life. You may have already started by getting your finances in order, planning for career changes, moving to a bigger home, etc. How about your physical condition? Is your body in the best shape for fostering a healthy pregnancy? If not, you may want to consider getting in better shape before you become pregnant.

If you are not eating a healthy diet full of needed vitamins and nutrients, you will want to change this before you become pregnant or else your developing baby could miss out on the things he or she needs to grow and thrive. It is especially important to get an adequate intake of folic acid before you become pregnant and during the first few months of pregnancy. Foods that are rich in folic acid include citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables, bean and legumes.  Since it can be difficult to get the needed amount of folic acid from your diet alone, your OBGYN may recommend that you take folic acid supplements before becoming pregnant.

It is also important for you to be at a healthy weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) before you achieve pregnancy.  Being overweight or obese can put you at risk for complications during pregnancy and can make it harder for you to carry the baby. Being underweight can also put you at risk for health problems and complications. If you are ready to start this new phase of your life, talk to your OBGYN about the things you can do to get your body in the best physical shape to handle pregnancy.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.