Pre-Baby Checkup
If you're like most women, you probably have a health screening once a year. You might have your blood work and pap smears done by your family practitioner. This year consider a switch — find a pregnancy care provider, like an obstetrician or midwife, to help you prepare your body.
He or she can help you look over your medical history to see if there is anything you might want to work on other than general fitness and health issues. It's a good time to learn what potential problems may come up during your pregnancy. It also gives you some lead-time to get a jump on reducing the risks of complications in pregnancy. Try to schedule this visit at least six months prior to becoming pregnant. This gives you a plenty of time to begin working on any issues that may come up.
A trip to the dentist is also a good idea. Find out if there is any dental work that you need to have done before getting pregnant. While having your teeth cleaned is acceptable during pregnancy, you will want to avoid any X-rays if possible. This means if there's any restorative work you need done, you can get it out of the way before you are pregnant.
This pre-baby checkup can include a physical exam for issues like blood pressure and weight. It may include blood work like screening your cholesterol and for diseases that could affect your baby. Your doctor will probably also look at your blood type to see if you are at risk for Rh disease.
Another great benefit of the pre-baby checkup is to get to know a practitioner in the field. This way when the pregnancy test turns positive you don't find yourself out searching for a practitioner. You will already have someone to go to.
At this visit be sure to ask about prenatal care guidelines and policies. This is your chance to interview the practitioner. Where does he or she have hospital privileges? What are his or her standard procedures? Can he or she accommodate any special wishes? You particularly want to consider how well you and your partner get along with this person — you're going to be seeing him or her quite a bit once you become pregnant, so be sure you feel totally comfortable with the doctor or midwife you choose.
Men should also have a preconception checkup. This will also allow them to be screened for potential problems, and also gives them time to help change their habits and create a healthy place for your baby to exist.
Getting healthy and staying healthy for pregnancy can seem like an overwhelming task. The thoughtfulness that you put into readying your body is important. It will help ensure that you and your partner are at your peak readiness for your pregnancy and new baby.
