Pre-pregnancy planning is important for keeping you and your baby in a healthy state.  If you are thinking about getting pregnant, try to read as much books and articles as you can about it, and do not forget to visit a doctor to give you important tips.

Why you need to visit a doctor when planning to get pregnant?

Visiting your doctor before pregnancy helps you discover health issues that could affect your pregnancy so you can take steps to avoid potential problems. In addition, the doctor can answer any questions about anything you are concerned about.

Things that your doctor may want to check include:

• Your current health issues
• Your medical history
• The diet you are following
• The vitamins you are taking
• The type of lifestyle you’re living
• The safety of any medications/supplements you’re taking
• Asking about any previous pregnancy
• Asking about safety at your work or home
• Make sure that you do not have any mental health issues
• Ask you to visit a dentist for a checkup, and getting treatment for gum disease

High-risk pregnancy

High-risk pregnancies are rare, but there are many things that can happen during your pregnancy that you cannot control, Sometimes, things can go wrong randomly or for unknown reasons. Some conditions can make pregnancy more difficult. It is very important to get pre-pregnancy care if you:

• Are older than 35
• Are underweight or overweight
• Have high blood pressure, or heart or kidney disease
• Have chronic conditions, like diabetes, lupus, or HIV/AIDS
• Have a history of miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature births
• Know you are at risk of having a child with birth defects or a genetic disorder
• Have a sexually transmitted infection

Your partner’s role in planning for pregnancy

Your partner’s health is also important when it comes to getting pregnant. Diet and lifestyle can lower sperm count and semen quality. This can make it harder to get pregnant. 

Some things that can lower sperm count include:

• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking or using other kinds of tobacco
• Using steroids
• Using illegal drugs
• Using certain prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines
• Recent and frequent time spent in very hot environments (i.e., hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms)
• Having an unhealthy diet

Tips your doctor may ask you to follow:

• Take folic acid supplements
• Get rid of extra weight
• Limit caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Avoid seafood that contains mercury
• Get enough rest and sleep