healthy weight range, these steps are all still important.
Sexual Health Screening A sexual health check-up is important prior to trying to conceive. Some sexually transmitted infections( STI’ s) may not have any symptoms and you may have one for years without knowing. Left untreated they may impact on your fertility, making it harder to fall pregnant. You may also unknowingly pass it onto your partner or baby. Once detected most STI’ s are easily treated.
The national screening for Pap Smears in Australia has recently changed. This means that screening now starts later and occurs less frequently. The new tests should be first done two years after your last pap smear. If normal it is then repeated every five years between the ages of 25-74. If you are due for a pap smear it is best to get it done prior to falling pregnant.
Rubella Rubella( German Measles) is generally a mild illness. However, if you are exposed to rubella during your pregnancy it may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, cardiac abnormalities and deafness in your baby. Your GP can order a simple blood test to check if you are immune to rubella. If you are not immune, it may be recommended that you are vaccinated against rubella prior to falling pregnant. such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The current recommendation from the Department of Health is that women take 500mcg daily for at least 12 weeks prior to conception and then continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Iodine requirements increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Low maternal iodine stores may impact on the baby’ s nervous system and brain development. The Department of Health recommends that women take 150mcgs of supplemental iodine while trying to conceive, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Alcohol and Smoking There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption in pregnancy. As such it is best to avoid completely while trying to fall pregnant and during pregnancy. Alcohol does cross the placenta, meaning that the baby’ s alcohol level is similar to the mother’ s when drinking. This can increase the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder occurring.
The negative side effects and risks of smoking are well documented. These risks extend to the baby both during pregnancy and once it is born. The National Quitline can assist you with methods to stop or reduce your consumption of cigarettes. You can call them on 131 848.
Visit your dentist Ensure that you regularly see your dentist for check-ups and cleans. Dental problems may occur more frequently in pregnancy. Dental treatments can be done safely while you are trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Just be sure to tell your dentist.
Review your current medications and supplements Ensure that you discuss this with your GP. Some medications and supplements will need to be changed or stopped as they may not be safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Another useful resource for this is Mothersafe who can be contacted on 1800 647 848.
What about Dads? Men play a crucial role in optimising healthy pregnancies and babies. Improving lifestyle choices, cessation of smoking and reduction of alcohol can improve a man’ s sperm production. These lifestyle changes will also assist by providing support for you throughout your pregnancy and in the early days of parenthood. Vaccinations may also be recommended, so ensure that he meets with a GP too.
References: Department of Health( 2018) Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy Care. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health.
Vitamins and Minerals Folic Acid supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube detects in babies
Jessica Moran is a Midwife and Registered Nurse. She can be found at The Pregnancy Centre at Mingara Medical where she provides midwifery care, in conjunction with Mingara Medical’ s GPs. Call 4302 3333 for a preconception planning appointment, early pregnancy services and routine antenatal and postnatal care.
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