Pregnancy Planning: Great Pregnancies Start with Great Plans

The first step in getting pregnant should be taken months before you’re ready to begin trying. 

“I encourage my patients to give me about a three to six month notice,” says Dr. A. Jay Staub of Health Central Women’s Clinic (HCWC) in Dallas, Texas. “They need to come in, preferably with their [significant other], to talk about their desire to get pregnant so we can talk about any health issues that might arise.” 

A healthy pregnancy begins with good habits, so doctors will advise moms-in-the-making to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs. In addition, some medications for health conditions may need to be changed, and additional vitamins – particularly folic acid – likely will be recommended. 

“Some medications are safe during pregnancy, while others can cause birth defects,” adds Dr. Alan Greenberg, also of HCWC. “Before you become pregnant, it’s good to look at any health problems you might have, how they’re being treated and how they might affect the pregnancy.” 

The old school of thought, in which women visited their doctors after becoming pregnant, no longer applies. 

“It used to be that you didn’t worry about it until you were pregnant. Now, women need to start changing their habits at least a month before becoming pregnant.” 

Since women usually don’t know that they’re pregnant for at least a month, Dr. Greenberg often has patients confess concerns over having had a few drinks in the early weeks of the pregnancy. Changing those habits beforehand can offer peace of mind. 

“It’s much easier than worrying about it throughout the entire pregnancy,” he says.

Fit for motherhood 

Exercise and nutrition plays a big role in the pregnancy.