Pregnancy Prep:
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant or are currently trying to conceive, getting your health in tip-top shape is a must. Here are five things you can do to prepare your body for pregnancy and increase your chances of conception.
5 tips for when you’re trying to conceive
Get a preconception check-up
“There are a few factors that can alter your chance of becoming pregnant. Age is one, but other factors include your general health and reproductive health, as well as how often you have sex,” says general practitioner DR SUE SMITH of International Medical Clinic (IMC), Camden. “It’s definitely worth having a check-up before trying to get pregnant to talk through your general and reproductive health with a GP. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ consultation, as we are all different.”
Some of the things that may be discussed at a pre-pregnancy check-up include age, pregnancy plans, coming off contraception, previous pregnancies, any risk of genetic conditions, exposure to hazards, alcohol intake and diet, as well as any current chronic health issues such as diabetes, thyroid or mental health conditions. Your appointment is also a good opportunity to discuss vaccine history and get caught up on any immunisations that may have lapsed. After all, vaccinations can help safeguard both you and your baby!
Additionally, a preconception check-up may include a cervical screening, blood test or other health screen, depending on the patient.
Maintain a healthy weight
Having a normal body mass index (BMI) is key to your overall health, but it’s also important for conception.
“Being overweight, obese or morbidly obese affects your chances of becoming pregnant and can increase the chance of miscarriage. Women who are obese during pregnancy also have a higher chance of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, as well as complications at time of delivery,” says Dr Smith. “Being underweight also reduces fertility and increases the chance of early miscarriage.”
Stop smoking
Smoking affects both male and female fertility, as the chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to eggs and sperm, explains Dr Smith. Even second-hand smoking has this effect.
“In addition to reducing fertility, smoking is linked to miscarriage, small babies, birth defects, stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you or your partner need help to stop smoking, talk to your GP.”
Increase your nutrients
Living a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can increase your chances of getting pregnant and result in a healthier pregnancy. It’s also important to get in other key nutrients such as folic acid, prior to pregnancy.
“Folic acid is known to reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and is recommended for all women who are pregnant,” says Dr Smith. “It makes sense to start this when trying to conceive, as you may not know you are pregnant initially. A dose of 400 micrograms every day is recommended for the majority of women until the 12th week of pregnancy. Patients who are obese, have diabetes, certain types of anaemia, take anti-epilepsy medication or have a history of neural tube defects should take a higher dose.”
Track your cycle
Now’s the time to start tracking your menstrual and ovulation cycles. Doing this will not only narrow down the window of when you’re most fertile, which can help you get pregnant faster, but it can also help you discover if anything is off that might need addressing.
“If you have regular periods, this is a good indication that you’re ovulating monthly,” says Dr Smith. “Ovulation usually happens between 10 and 16 days before the start of your period, so if your periods are regular, you can predict when you will be ovulating by working out the start of your next period and counting backwards. There are helpful apps that can do this too!”
There are also some physical signs that can indicate you’re ovulating, though not everybody will experience them all.
“Cervical mucus is one of the most common indicators. Around the time of ovulation you may notice a thinner, clearer discharge, sometimes likened to egg white. There is a small rise in body temperature after ovulation, which may be detectable with a thermometer. It’s also possible to detect ovulation using a urine stick that measures changes in hormone levels at the time of ovulation,” she says. “Some women experience additional signs such as breast tenderness, lower tummy pain and bloating.”
IMC has four clinics across Singapore (IMC Camden, IMC Children’s, IMC Jelita and IMC Katong). To schedule an appointment, call 6733 4440 or visit imc-healthcare.com.