Preparing for Pregnancy

 Before a women becomes pregnant, it's important for her to prepare for the many changes her body will experience. Sometimes, a pregnancy is a surprise, so a woman cannot prepare for it. However, when it is possible, think about and make plans for how you will take care of your self during this wondrous time. Preparing for a pregnancy allows you to make changes before you get pregnant so your baby gets a healthy start in life. To that end, many physicians and other health care workers now consider pregnancy a 12-month term.

The actual length of a pregnancy (growth from a fertilized egg into a normal-size baby) is only 9 months. but we now know that the few months before you get pregnant can be as important as the 9 months the fetus develops inside of you.

With good preparation on your part, you can give your baby the best start toward a healthy life. The months that you plan for your pregnancy give you time to prepare your body and make any necessary lifestyle changes.

Pregnancy Checklist

Attention to these details before you get pregnant makes your pregnancy safer and more enjoyable.

• Exercise regularly
• Find out if you can decrease or discontinue medications you take regularly. Ask you physician if they are safe to take during pregnancy.
• Get your weight under control. Pregnancy is not the time to lose weight.
• if you need X-rays, vaccinations or medical tests, get them done before trying to get pergnant.
• Control or eliminate tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
• Decide who will deliver your baby.
• Check on your insurance coverage for pregnancy.