Preconception Care

man and woman

What is preconception care?  Preconception care is care a woman of childbearing age (usually 18-44) receives before pregnancy or between pregnancies.  It looks at health conditions and lifestyle factors that may affect a woman’s health prior to and during pregnancy.

Why have preconception care?  The goal is to provide treatment and information before pregnancy that can improve the woman’s health and help to prevent future complications/risks to herself and her baby. 

man and woman

Things to do and think about before becoming pregnant:

  1. Talk to your partner to find out if you are ready to have a baby
    • Are you ready to be parents?
    • How will a baby change your lives, your relationship?
    • Do you have the financial resources to pay for medical care and care of the infant?  (prenatal care, delivery, diapers, child care)
    • What help will you need and who can give you that help?
  2. Practice healthy habits and start TODAY!!! woman and child
    • Take a vitamin containing 400 mcg. folic acid or a 400 mcg. folic acid tablet daily.  (Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.  These defects can cause serious health problems and can even cause a baby’s death.)
    • Don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or use drugs unless prescribed by a physician who knows that you are thinking about getting pregnant.  (These can injure a baby growing inside of you.)
    • Protect yourself from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.  (Only have sex with one person who does not have other sex partners or use a condom when having sex.)
    • Stay away from chemicals that can hurt an unborn baby.  (Examples: paint, paint thinner, insect and weed killers, cat litter.)
    • Eat healthy foods!
  3. Get regular check-ups from your physician woman and children
    • Be sure you have all of your shots for illnesses like rubella and chickenpox.  (If you get these illnesses while you are pregnant they can cause birth defects in your baby.)
    • Tell your provider about health problems you might have along with those in your family.
    • Tell your provider about all the medications you are currently taking.
    • Get treatment for problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and depression.
    • Tell your provider, clergy, family member, or good friend if your partner hits or abuses you.  Get help now!!