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Planning on trying to conceive? Before you attempt to turn that minus sign into a plus sign on a pregnancy test, you may want to take some time to ensure that you are ready, both physically and mentally, for both pregnancy and parenthood.
The following are some other items you may want to consider before becoming pregnant:
Choose an obstetrician. Before you become pregnant you may want to choose an obstetrician, if you have not already done so. Your obstetrician will be very important to you in the coming months; be sure you are comfortable with him/her and that your philosophies on pregnancy and childbirth mesh.
Know your family history. It is helpful to know your family medical history before you become pregnant. Ask your family and your partner's family specifically about any genetic disorders that may run in the family. Ask your relatives, including your mother and sister(s) if you have any, about any unexpected complications they may have experienced during pregnancy. Your obstetrician will want to know about your family health history, in addition to your own health history and your partner's. Don't worry if you don't have access to this information, which can happen for a wide variety of reasons. But if you do have access, make the most of it so you can prepare for anything!
Review your medications with your doctor and pharmacist. It is important to know if any medications you are taking, both prescribed and over the counter, can be harmful during pregnancy or to your developing baby. Be sure your physician is aware of all the drugs you are taking, including any herbal supplements.
Have a dental check-up. If you haven't been to your dentist in a while, it is a good idea to go before becoming pregnant. Certain oral conditions can adversely affect your growing baby, and you also don't want to experience any dental problems during pregnancy.
You know have a lot to think about before you become pregnant! Although this list is long, it is by no means all-encompassing. You may want to talk to friends and relatives to ask if there are any other items that they think should be added to the list. By addressing these areas, you will be putting yourself in prime position for pregnancy and motherhood.