Preconceptual Health
Are you ready to be a mother?
Women plan for many things in their lives, but one area that is often overlooked is planning for children. Without planning, about half of all women who become pregnant in the U.S. each year, do so unexpectedly. Plans may change, but it is best to be prepared for such an important life event.
Questions to consider:
-
Do you want to have children? If so, how many?
-
What plans have you made to prevent pregnancy if you don’t want to have children?
-
How old do you want to be when you first become a mother?
-
How much education do you want?
-
What kind of job would you like to have?
-
Do you have any chronic health conditions that need to be under control before pregnancy?
Recommendations for all women prior to pregnancy:
-
Be active.
-
Eat healthy and get to or maintain a health weight.
-
Visit www.choosemyplate.gov or www.eatright.org for recommendations.
-
-
Reduce stress.
-
Get regular check-ups with your primary care provider.
-
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. To learn more, visit our Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening page.
-
Discuss and manage any chronic health conditions.
-
-
Stop smoking, using drugs, and avoid drinking too much alcohol.
-
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
-
Call the Alcohol & Drug Council of NC at 1-800-688-4232 for help with substance abuse.
-
-
Take a multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
-
Folic Acid is proven to help prevent neural tube defects, like spina bifida and anencephaly. www.everywomannc.com/your-health/folic-acid-and-multivitamins/
-
Our physicians are available for “Preconceptual Counseling” visits where you can discuss any concerns you may have and how to prepare for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
You can find out more about “Preconceptual Health” by visiting: