Pre-pregnancy Care

It is important to take note of the following before trying to get pregnant.

Medical Conditions
If you currently have any medical conditions, be sure they are under control and being treated. Some of these conditions include:

Lifestyle and Behaviours Change
Talk to your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or work with or live around toxic substances. Healthcare professionals can help you with counselling, treatment, and other support services.
Medications
Taking certain medicines during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. These include some prescription and over-the-counter medications; and dietary or herbal supplements. If you are planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the need for any medication with your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.
Vaccines
Some vaccinations are recommended before you become pregnant, during pregnancy, or right after delivery. Having the right vaccinations at the right time can help to keep you healthy and help to keep your baby from getting very sick or having lifelong health problems.

Folate and nutrient intake before pregnancy
Good nutrition is an essential component of attaining a healthy pregnancy and birth outcome. Women of reproductive age should consume a well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, iron and calcium-rich foods, and protein-containing foods as well as 400 g of folic acid daily.
What is your partner's role in Pre-Pregnancy health?
When planning for a pregnancy, the health of the partner is also important. Certain habits, health issues and other factors can cause his sperm count to be low and affect the quality of semen. Low sperm count can make it difficult to get pregnant. These can reduce the health or number of sperm: