Prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak explained 10 important rules you should pay attention to when you decide to become a mother, and provided important recommendations and warnings.

Get preconception counseling

Before getting pregnant, be sure to consult your doctor for a preconception evaluation, examination, and screening, to treat any existing illnesses, and to determine the vitamins and medications you need to use before pregnancy.

Because many problems such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid diseases, and not being at a healthy weight can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, these problems need to be treated in the best possible way before pregnancy.

During the preconception evaluation, vaccinations are also reviewed, immunity is assessed, and various screenings and tests are performed, including screening for sexually transmitted infections if necessary. In addition to these, many factors that could affect pregnancy and the baby's health are evaluated through tests such as a pelvic examination and a smear test performed before pregnancy. 

400 micrograms of folic acid every day is a must! 

The cells in our body need folic acid, a B vitamin, for healthy growth and development. Having enough folic acid in your body at least one month before pregnancy and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects (anencephaly and spina bifida) that may occur in your developing baby's brain and spine. Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak says, “For this reason, in addition to a diet rich in folate, do not neglect to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before you get pregnant.” 

Genetic counseling is important

Based on your family's health history, your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling. Genetic counseling is also required in cases of difficulty conceiving, multiple miscarriages, infant death, or a genetic disorder or birth defect that occurred during a previous pregnancy.

Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak says, “If you are a carrier, you do not have the disease yourself, but you have a gene change that you can pass on to your baby. If both you and your partner carry the same genetic disease, the risk of your baby developing this condition increases.”

Stating that getting tested before pregnancy can help you assess your baby's risks and support your decision-making regarding getting pregnant, Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak provides the information that, “Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, thalassemia, and fragile X syndrome are genetic diseases for which carrier screening is frequently performed today.” 

Stay away from smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause many serious problems such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. Therefore, quitting smoking and alcohol is of great importance for your and your baby's health. 

Protect yourself from toxic substances

It is very important to avoid toxic substances such as harmful chemicals, environmental pollutants, certain metals, fertilizers, pesticides, and cat or rodent feces during the pregnancy process. 

Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak points out that these chemicals and toxic substances can damage the reproductive systems of both men and women, saying, “Exposure to even small amounts of toxic substances during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, or adolescence can lead to various diseases. As a result, it can make it difficult to get pregnant.” 

Reach your healthy weight 

Women who struggle with obesity are at a higher risk for many serious diseases during pregnancy, including the development of complications such as high blood pressure, pregnancy-related diabetes, and birth trauma, as well as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (uterine, breast, and colon).

Conversely, underweight women also carry the same risk.

Therefore, if you have an obesity or underweight problem, talk to your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant.

Stop using contraception 

If you are using birth control pills, it may take a few months for ovulation to return to normal. Therefore, it is beneficial to stop taking the medication from the date you plan to get pregnant. This allows your body to have a few normal menstrual cycles. Having normal cycles before pregnancy can help determine the last menstrual period when you do get pregnant. As for the IUD, its contraceptive effect disappears immediately after it is removed.

Get your vaccinations 

Getting the right vaccines at the right time can help you stay healthy and protect your baby from certain diseases in the first few months of their life. Rubella can harm you and your baby during pregnancy. Therefore, if you do not have immunity, do not neglect to get your vaccinations before you get pregnant.  

Ensure your oral and dental health 

Do not neglect to have your regular dental check-ups before and during pregnancy. Because some studies show a link between gum disease and having a premature or low-birth-weight baby. Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak points out that if you have gum disease, getting treated before pregnancy can prevent health problems for you and your baby, saying, “Be sure to tell your dentist that you are planning to get pregnant, or if you went during pregnancy, that you are pregnant.” 

Protect your mental health

Warning that “Mental health is how we think, feel, and behave while coping with life, and it is as important as our physical health,” Dr. Gülay Beydilli Nacak continues her words as follows: “Pregnancy is one of the most important periods of your life, and to spend the process in the healthiest way possible, you need to feel good about your life and value yourself. Everyone can feel anxious, sad, or stressed sometimes. However, if these feelings do not go away and affect your daily life, do not neglect to get professional help.”