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Apr 29, 2006
Planning your pregnancy
by MariAnne
 Every woman found it ideal to have a baby only when she feels ready and prepared. It is not an easy task to be a mother. Women should learn some things before it actually happens. That is why pregnancy planning is common topic all around the world. There are many important things about ovulation, nutrition and emotional conditions woman should understand before the pregnancy occurs. What is ovulation?In a typical 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14. The first day is the day your menstrual bleeding occurs. Released egg has short period that is capable to be fertilized, just 12 to 24 hours. In the same time, sperm can live up to five days and sometimes longer in the cervical mucus. Every woman who is attempting to conceive should know whether her cycles are regular and whether she experiences the ovulation signs. These signs include increasing cervical mucus close to ovulation, and what is called Mittelschmerz, or the midcycle cramping. However, these symptoms will not all women feel. It is recommended to have sexual intercourse during the period spanning one to two days before ovulation to about 24 hours afterward. The reason is already said: sperm cells can live for two or three days, but an egg survives no more than 24 hours after ovulation, unless fertilization occurs. If woman had sex near the time of ovulation it stands to reason she will increase her chances of getting pregnant. The fact is in normally fertile couples there is a 25 percent chance of getting pregnant each cycle. This is meaning around 75 to 85 percent of women who have sex without using birth control will get pregnant within one year.
How to know when ovulation occurs, and when the woman is most fertile?Woman should figures out when her next period is due to begin and count back 12 to 16 days. This will give a range of days when she will probably be ovulating. In fact, for women with a 28-day cycle, the 14th day is often the one she will ovulate. To use this method, you must know how long your cycle usually lasts. Anyway, you could try BabyCenter's ovulation calculator if you want professionals to do the math for you.
Preparing body for pregnancyPregnancy brings with it intense stresses on your body and overall physical health, because you have another life growing and developing inside. How well you take care of yourself before pregnancy will have a dramatic effect on your health during pregnancy and health of your child? Experts recommend improving your chances for a healthy pregnancy. First you should cut back on caffeine, avoid alcohol and tobacco, start taking a multivitamin with folic acid and improve your diet. You should also start or continue exercising. However, there is no formula that guarantees success when you are trying to conceive. Statistics say it takes several months of trying before most women become pregnant. Some take longer; some shorter, and it is really all a matter of timing and luck. If you are beginning to feel frustrated about not becoming pregnant, you could try to improve your odds. You could keep track of your cycles by taking your basal body temperature every day. You should use an ovulation home test to figure out exactly which days you ovulating. You could read a lot of good books and learn more about your body, natural family planning and birth control.
Preparing of partnerBoth you and your partner ought to be as healthy as possible before trying to have a baby. Your partner's health affects the number of sperm he produces and their quality, which is very important into fertilization. Although sperm production is a continual process, sperm do take 70 days to develop, which means your partner's health in the couple of months before you conceive is very important.
SmokingGiving up smoking to maximize the chances of a healthy baby also applies to your partner because men who smoke tend to produce fewer sperm. They also have more damaged sperm, which affect their ability to make a baby.
DrinkingRegular heavy drinking can lower the number of sperm and may damage them, similar to alcohol. Cutting down on alcohol is something both you and your partner can do together to improve your chances in pregnancy planning.
HeatIt is important to know that sperms are sensitive to heat. Tight trousers and underwear made from synthetic material may cause the temperature in the groin to become too high. This is risk factor for health sperm to develop. That is why you may like to suggest that your partner wears looser trousers and boxer shorts to avoid the potential problem.
Planning your pregnancyEvery woman that is planning to become pregnant should prepare for a healthy pregnancy. It is most commonly done by taking care of medical and dental concerns beforehand. If you have been using the pill for birth control, known as oral contraception, try to wait at least one regular menstrual period before conceiving. Fertility after stopping birth control can sometimes be delayed, but is not permanently affected. Now more than ever, it is recommended to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water. As it is already said each mother should avoid alcohol, medication use, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, and illegal drugs. It is also important to reduce or stop caffeine intake. Every woman who is planning pregnancy should choose a health professional for pregnancy, childbirth, and after-birth or postpartum, care. It is also important to review immunization history with health professional. It is recommended to prevent birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth that can be caused by some infections. Most commonly these infections are rubella or measles, so you should get any necessary immunizations and wait the recommended period of time before trying to get pregnant. During pregnancy planning, woman should also talk to her health professional about whether to have cystic fibrosis carrier screening before pregnancy. This screening is especially important if you have a family history of cystic fibrosis. During a preconception visit or a well woman check, you will be educated and possibly screened for some diseases as well.
Emotional healthThose suggestions may seem normal and standard. Many families leave out the screenings for emotional and behavioral problems that will affect pregnancy. Stress levels and reduction, if necessary, psychological problems and current medications to be adjusted for the trying to conceive are problems that should be considered. History of current or past family violence and family and social support are important tips for pregnancy planning.
Previous pregnancy and family planningYour previous pregnancies may be mentally and emotionally weighing on your mind to decision to have another child. It may also give you a glimpse into the care your will require in future pregnancies. It is done either to encourage another healthy pregnancy or to try and avoid previous complications. If you have experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, you may wish to inquire about testing and education to help you deal with the trauma. Family planning also can have an effect on new pregnancies and pregnancy planning. For example, it is best to be off of any form of chemical birth control, at least three months prior to conceiving. While many women have successful pregnancies there are some risks involved about this. The fact is every woman needs counseling on dietary management during pregnancy. They should take care about their weight, if they are overweight or underweight. There is important question, are they willing to correct this problem prior to pregnancy. Does the mother or anyone in the immediate family have a substance abuse problem should also be discussed during pregnancy planning. Are there socioeconomic risks, which can lead to preterm birth, and low birth weight in some families, or woman is aware of potential environmental hazards in your home? Those are all important things that every doctor should involve in pregnancy planning.
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