An A to Z Pre-pregnancy Care Guide for New Parents
Becoming a parent is no child’s play. While parenting can be an incredibly rewarding yet challenging experience, especially for first-timers, new parents will inevitably find themselves weathering through moments of anxiety and uncertainty about the impending transformation in their lives.
But before you embark on this remarkable journey, it’s essential to prioritise pre-pregnancy care. Aspiring parents need to be well-informed and seek support and advice when in need from certified healthcare professionals. In this article, we discuss a care regimen that will help you ensure a healthy future for both yourself and your child.
Commonly Faced Challenges in Pre-pregnancy
Starting a family can dramatically revamp one’s way of living. In the case of pre-pregnancy, individuals are inclined to adopt new habits before becoming pregnant, in order to boost their health and increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy. This lifestyle transformation often includes significant changes in priorities, responsibilities, and daily routines. However, several challenges can arise in the midst of pre-pregnancy.
According to research done by the School of Medical Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia, more than half of 235 Malaysian men (51.9%) had poor knowledge of pre-pregnancy care — particularly on high-risk pregnancy, consequences of poor birth spacing, and effect of maternal anaemia on a baby. In another study, less than a quarter (23.9%) of 490 Malaysian women with high-risk pregnancies utilised pre-pregnancy care services.
A healthy pre-pregnancy life could also be compromised from substance addiction, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs — as some of them can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with ovulation, leading to difficulty in conceiving. Studies indicate that smoking, alcohol use, and recreational drug consumption are somehow able to impair male fertility. Whereas in the case of female fertility, research suggests that natural potency is decreased in active smokers and prenatally smoke-exposed women.
Getting into Shape for a Healthy Pregnancy
Schedule a pre-pregnancy checkup
Before jumping the gun, it is advisable for future parents to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in preconception care. They will assess overall health, address any existing medical conditions, and provide guidance on how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Discuss family planning
Couples that currently use contraception are advised to communicate family planning goals with a healthcare provider, where they will receive proper assistance in transitioning to pregnancy once they are ready. Aspiring parents are also encouraged to first assess their finances and tabulate a budget to account for the costs associated with pre-pregnancy care, childbirth, as well as postpartum expenses.
Take fertility supplements
If you feel that you are ready to build a family, you should consider taking fertility supplements like PROfortil and Fortelle+Omega-3. PROfortil for example, can enhance sperm quality thanks to a blend of essential nutrients that in turn, contribute to the improvement of sperm quality. Fortelle+Omega-3
Maintain a balanced weight and diet
It is important to upkeep a healthy weight prior to pregnancy — as being overweight or underweight can negatively affect fertility and escalate the risk of complications during the prenatal period. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to develop a weight management plan may also be a great idea. Adopt a nutritious diet rich in:
- Fruits and vegetables; for vitamins and minerals.
- Whole grains; for fiber and energy.
- Poultry, fish, beans, and tofu; for lean proteins.
- Dairy products or dairy alternatives; for calcium.
- Avocados, nuts, and olive oil; for healthy fats.
Practise healthy lifestyle habits
Make a conscious decision to live healthy. This includes getting sufficient sleep, staying hydrated, practising good hygiene, and engaging in regular exercise to support overall health. On the contrary, refrain from smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use. It is essential to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake, as these substances can damage foetal development.
Seek awareness and education on reproductive health
Before conceiving, future mothers need to first understand their menstrual cycle and ovulation patterns. Tracking one’s fertility can help identify the most fertile days for conception, using methods such as ovulation predictor kits or cervical mucus monitoring. It is also advisable for aspiring parents to keep themselves well-informed on pregnancy and parenthood through books, classes, and reliable online resources. Learning about the various stages of pregnancy and what to expect will bestow them the clarity to be fully educated and equipped.
Build a healthy internal and external support system
As much as the thought of giving life to a child is exciting, it can also be nerve-wrecking. For that reason, having a sound mental health is of top priority — as fertility and overall well-being can get affected by high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Counselling or therapy can be considered to help develop stress management techniques. It is also vital to build a strong support system with one’s partner, family, and friends. Receiving adequate emotional support is indeed crucial for a healthy pre-pregnancy.
As pre-pregnancy care is a holistic approach that embodies physical, emotional, and mental well-being, it is essential to be as prepared as possible and create a personalised preconception plan. Taking these proactive steps can significantly increase the likelihood of a healthy pre-pregnancy and a positive first chapter to one’s parenthood journey.