A gynecologist shows a patient a subcutaneous implant for contraception/ShutterStock
The pregnancy period is a fascinating time full of anticipation and excitement for the arrival of the baby, but at the same time there are also natural fears and uncertainties.
Pregnancy brings with it physiological and anatomical changes in the woman's body, so it is important to properly prepare for it both physically and mentally.
Through early planning and consultation with the medical team, you can make the pregnancy experience positive for you.
What medical tests should be performed before becoming pregnant?
And what are the recommended actions in order to get pregnant in the best condition for you and the fetus?
Tamara Boymer, pregnancy support nurse and instructor of birth preparation courses, at Maccabi Health Services with everything you must know and do.
All that needs to be done
A healthy lifestyle
Even before you go to the doctor and start finding out what tests are required, there are some things you can do for yourself, basically at any stage of life, but especially when you want to plan a healthy pregnancy.
So if you always wanted a change and were just looking for an incentive - now is the time, adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
Meeting with a gynecologist
Most women visit the gynecologist only after becoming pregnant, but it is useful and important to visit the gynecologist during the pregnancy planning stage.
The purpose of the initial meeting with the gynecologist, even before becoming pregnant, is to go over your medical history and find conditions that should be checked and treated, in order to reach a pregnancy in the best possible health for you.
Usually the doctor will refer you for blood tests and vaccinations as needed.
Vaccinations
We are sure that the gynecologist will take you through all the tests and vaccinations you need to undergo, but just so you know what to expect, these are the vaccines you should check when planning a pregnancy:
Rubella - contracting rubella during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus, so you must make sure you are vaccinated against rubella.
With a simple blood test you can verify the presence of rubella antibodies in the blood and act accordingly.
Flu - Flu is a disease that usually passes without specific treatment, within a few days.
However, if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, vaccination is of particular importance, because during pregnancy the woman's body is more vulnerable and the risk of medical complications from the disease or damage to the fetus is higher.
Chickenpox - was introduced in Israel only in 2008, therefore many women of childbearing age are not vaccinated against the disease, unless they contracted it in childhood.
Chickenpox infection during pregnancy can cause complications for you or the fetus.
Therefore, if you have not had chicken pox in the past or have not received two doses of the vaccine, the Ministry of Health recommends that you get vaccinated.
More in Walla!
Pietro is celebrating a round birthday and you enjoy a once-in-60-years sale
In collaboration with Pitro
Genetic testing/ShutterStock
Genetic testing
The purpose of genetic testing is to identify whether you and your partner are in a risk group for defects caused by hereditary factors, and to give you appropriate genetic counseling.
Genetic tests are blood tests, and the diseases tested are determined according to the ethnic origin of each of you.
In the first stage, it is sufficient that only one of the spouses is tested.
It is highly recommended to carry out the genetic investigation before the beginning of pregnancy, but it can also be carried out during pregnancy.
"Ganometer" test - in the first stage, genetic counseling is not required, but simply to register for laboratory services for an appointment called: "Ganometer", that way first we will know if I am a carrier for something and if so I will know what to check with the partner.
By the way, genetic diseases are updated every year, so even if we did tests 5 years ago, with each new pregnancy, it is important to perform them again.
Folic acid A
group B vitamin essential for the process of building body cells in the normal development of the central nervous system.
A lack of folic acid can cause various defects in the fetus, so it is important to start taking folic acid three months before a planned pregnancy.
There are medical conditions that require a high dose, so it is recommended to consult the attending physician.
Iodine
is a nutrient that is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and for the normal development of the brain of the fetus and the newborn.
The Ministry of Health recommends starting to consume iodine at least one month before a planned pregnancy, as well as throughout pregnancy and the entire breastfeeding period.
Vitamin D
is produced in our bodies when exposed to the sun and is necessary for normal bone growth.
It is recommended to take vitamin D during the entire period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Mental preparation
Pregnancy requires us to adapt, not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally.
Emotional and mental planning is a little more difficult to achieve, as it is not tangible and quantitative like vaccinations and various tests that must be performed.
Early planning of the pregnancy in these respects will allow you and your partner to talk and prepare for the new stage in your life in terms of thoughts, feelings, expectations and behavior.
You can talk among yourselves or get a consultation with a social worker who deals with women's health.
More on the same topic:
pregnancy
birth
Vaccination