Check List
If you’re thinking about taking the this step, congratulations QUEEN! This exciting chapter in your life is filled with lots of joy along with lots of anticipation. Even though we aren’t ever actually “ready” for this huge step, it is a good idea to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. The girls at the PREGNANCY DIARY’S have made this checklist for you! Here are some things we suggest doing before you start trying to get preg!
Schedule a “Preconception Checkup:” Book an appointment with your healthcare provider for a preconception checkup. This visit will help ensure that you’re in optimal health for pregnancy and can address any concerns or health issues beforehand- you also will want to make sure your current gyno is also an OBGYN, and if they are not ask for a rec to schedule this apt with!
Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins: Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby, so it’s essential to get enough of it early on. Here is an article on our favorite ones.
Take a look at your current Lifestyle: Take a look at habits and make any necessary changes. This includes quitting smoking cigs or vaping, limiting black out alcohol behavior and so much more. This is really person to person since we all have different lifestyles. If you are on any meds whether its for ADD, anxiety, depression or anything else- it is a good time to look into this. Some medicines need to be discontinued however there are many that are totally safe with the correct dosage!
Get Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date, including the flu shot and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Vaccinations can help protect both you and your baby during pregnancy. Some people do these vacines while pregnant, but if you can do before- GREAT!
Discuss Family History: Have a conversation with your partner about your family medical history could be helpful, however getting genetic testing done will easily give you the answers you need. Here is why we think genetic testing is important!
By checking off all, or some, of these tasks before you start trying to conceive, you’ll be setting yourself up for a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.
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