Are you ready for a pregnancy?
A pregnancy is an important and significant time in a
woman's life with very special results, but before you get pregnant make sure
that you are truly prepared.
Preconception care is an important aspect of helping to create a healthy
pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with
your OBGYN to get a check up and to ask any questions you may have about
pregnancy and childbirth. All women of
child bearing age are recommended to take folic acid supplements, which can be
found alone or as part of a prenatal vitamin.
Your diet is also an important consideration in terms of preparing your
body for a pregnancy. If you have not
been eating well, change your diet to a more healthful one. Make sure you are not overweight or
underweight, as these can both interfere with your chances of getting pregnant. Alcohol, smoking and drugs should be totally
cut out of your diet if you have not done so already. You and your partner should discuss the
possibility of going for genetic screening testing to rule out the possibility
of inherited genetic diseases that could be passed on to your baby.
Are you ready for a baby?
Make sure that you are ready to have a baby. While babies are wonderful, they do come
along with a lot of responsibility and obligations. Important factors to consider before having a
baby are:
Emotional stability: Are you ready to give of yourself to
another person? Are you emotionally in a
place where you can handle the responsibility that comes with having a baby?
Finances: Babies are expensive! The crib, furniture, car
seat, diapers, layette, bottles and all the paraphernalia that comes along with
a new baby really add up. When figuring
out the cost of these items, remember that cribs and car seats can be rented
and clothes can be borrowed. It may be
practical to sit with a financial adviser to help work out your finances.
Lifestyle Changes: Think about how comfortable you are with
a lifestyle change. A baby adds a new
person into your family. Will your work
allow for flexibility? Do you plan to continue working? Is a baby something
both you and your partner want? If you
do not have a partner, will you be able to get support and help from family or
friends?
Congratulations, you've decided that you are ready!
Once you've decided that you're ready, enjoy this time in
your life. Read up on pregnancy and
childbirth. The more prepared and
educated you are, the better!
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We are unable to provide answers to medically related questions or other medical advice via e-mail. Our physicians look forward to addressing your medical needs in person. To schedule an appointment or for more information about this practice as well as the programs and treatments they offer, please complete the form below. Be sure to include a valid telephone number and e-mail address so that one of our patient services coordinators may contact you directly.
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