You have arrived at that point-you are ready to have a baby. This decision is full of excitement, questions, emotion and probably a td bit of fear. Now that you've made this life-changing decision, what's next? How can you best prepare to dive into this journey? A good first step is to find an OB/GYN to partner with. If you already have a doctor, they are likely to advise you about preparing your body for pregnancy with a healthy lifestyle.
Pre-Pregnancy Starts With Healthy Eating
A key part of a healthy lifestyle is making sure you eat right. There is a wealth of information available about healthy diets, but when preparing for pregnancy you should pay special attention to a balanced diet that includes items such as folic acid. If you need additional instruction with your nutritional goals, Texas Health hospitals are here to help.
Pre-Pregnancy Testing
Not only is your diet important for pre-pregnancy planning, but you should also take into consideration any health conditions that could impact your pregnancy. Issues such as diabetes and other chronic diseases will need to be carefully monitored by your health care professional.
Technology in health care has allowed for genetic counseling to be an option for couples who might want to explore the potential for birth defects or abnormalities before conception. Learn more about genetic counseling, such as how to prepare, what the risks are and answers to the most common questions
Addressing Infertility
If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, you are not alone. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates there are 6.1 million people dealing with infertility in the United States-that's roughly 10 percent of those trying to conceive. Fortunately, there are many
infertility tests and procedures that can identify issues and
infertility treatment options.
Learn More About Pre-Pregnancy and Infertility from Texas Health
Explore this dedicated site for more helpful resources, including a
pre-pregnancy planning kit. Healthy, happy babies start with healthy, happy parents!
