Author｜ Guobaorou
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
Are you currently trying to conceive? Or are you planning to conceive?
Here are some things to keep in mind before trying to conceive. Share this with your partner!
1
Preconception check-up
Preconception checkups are a healthcare procedure often overlooked. Many people believe that prenatal checkups are sufficient and wonder why preconception checkups are necessary. However, in reality, preconception checkups are crucial for preventing birth defects. Preconception checkups are not limited to women; men also need them. Therefore, preconception checkups are highly recommended, and couples are advised to undergo a comprehensive physical examination before conception, including genetic testing, to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.
2
Oral examination
There is also a link between good oral health and pregnancy. Pregnancy causes a series of physiological changes, and severe periodontal disease can lead to miscarriage, and in severe cases, even sepsis, causing toxic shock or even death.
In 2017, a pregnant woman in Wuhan tragically lost her baby due to wisdom tooth inflammation. Therefore, proper oral checkups are essential for successful conception!
Women planning to have a baby should have their oral health checked before trying to conceive to avoid serious consequences from oral infections during pregnancy. Any decayed teeth that need to be extracted should not be left untreated, and any teeth that need to be filled should be filled in a timely manner.
3
Quit smoking and drinking
Numerous studies have confirmed the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on the baby during pregnancy. However, it's also important to be mindful of these factors during the preconception period, as smoking and drinking can increase the chances of difficulty conceiving and miscarriage. Therefore, it's highly recommended to abstain from smoking and alcohol for at least six months.
Oh, and one more thing, people living under the same roof should also be careful to quit smoking! For example, dads, uncles, aunts, grandfathers…
Because the smoke they inhale turns into thirdhand smoke, which remains on clothes, hair, skin, and even walls and furniture, and can linger for months... silently threatening the health of the fetus.
Therefore, for the sake of the health of the young couple and their offspring, I suggest you bear with it!
4
Reduce caffeine intake
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women trying to conceive should not consume more than 200-300mg of caffeine per day. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant; excessive consumption over a long period can easily lead to an imbalance in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone, a rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure, thus reducing the chances of conception!
5
Improve diet
A woman's true happiness will be found in fried chicken, sugary drinks, hot pot, and skewers! However, if you are planning to conceive, it is still recommended to eat less of these! Instead of these unhealthy foods, you should consume more healthy foods such as vegetables, grains, lean protein, and fruits.
In addition, caution should be exercised when consuming fish, and fish with high mercury content, such as tilefish and mackerel, should be avoided.
6
lose weight
Being overweight increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, and it is also detrimental to pregnancy.
Both men and women should exercise regularly to build a healthy body and prepare for pregnancy!
7
Treat medication with caution
Taking medications is also crucial during the preconception period. If you regularly take any medications, consult your doctor promptly about how to discontinue them. If you take any medications during the preconception period due to special circumstances, consult your doctor immediately as well.
In addition, vitamins, such as folic acid, should be taken during the preconception period. Taking folic acid is an important measure to reduce the risk of birth defects. Folic acid, distributed free of charge by the government, can be obtained from community hospitals and maternal and child health hospitals, and can be started three months before conception.
In general, planning a pregnancy includes three parts:
First, change unhealthy lifestyle habits and improve physical fitness;
Second, complete pre-pregnancy checkups and treat risk factors;
Third, supplement with nutrients such as folic acid.
I hope everyone will be responsible for their children and for themselves. Having a baby is no small matter, and you need to be careful when preparing for pregnancy!
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