Prepare for pregnancy with this to-do list

Women not only need to be ready for the physical changes that come with pregnancy, but also ensure that their child has the best start to their life. — Photos.com

Pregnancy is an exciting chapter in a mother’s life.

However, many mums-to-be are unaware of the physical changes that come with pregnancy.

It is also essential for new mums to understand the right steps to take when they get pregnant, to ensure the healthy development of their child.

First of all, it is always best to plan when you wish to get pregnant.

This is as before embarking on pregnancy, you should see your doctor.

This is to ensure that you are well and ready for the pregnancy.

If you have a medical problem, it needs to be treated or stabilised before pregnancy.

It is best to be referred to a pre-pregnancy clinic for advice before beginning the journey of pregnancy.

Once you’re pregnant, you may notice some changes to your body.

Recognising and preparing for these changes can be beneficial in ensuring a smooth pregnancy period.

Here are some of the common physical changes you may experience during pregnancy:

• No period
• Faster heart rate
• Heartburn
• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Increased body weight
• Increased appetite and thirst
• Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Frequent urination.

To-do list

Taking the right steps to ensure the healthy fetal development of your child is equally important as preparing for the physical changes of pregnancy.

This to-do list can help guide you:

> Go for antenatal check-ups

These are regular pregnancy check-ups where routine health tests and examinations of the mother and fetus will take place.

It is recommended that pregnant mothers book their first antenatal check-up within 12 weeks of pregnancy confirmation and have a total of eight visits throughout their pregnancy.

> Enhance your nutrition

To support healthy fetal development, it is recommended to regularly take supplements of folic acid prior to pregnancy to at least the 12th week of gestation.

An increased intake of foods containing nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, iron and calcium, is also recommended.

> Keep fit

Staying active can help pregnant mothers prepare for labour.

Although strenuous exercise is not advisable, light workouts like pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles involved in childbirth.

It is recommended that pregnant mothers regularly partake in light exercises for 15-30 minutes, three times a week.

> Stay hydrated

Pregnant mothers should stay hydrated to support fetal development.

> Stop smoking

Smoking during pregnancy can cause ill effects to the fetus.

Getting help to stop smoking can help to ensure the healthy development of the baby.

> Be financially prepared

Parenthood is a huge financial commitment.

Discuss with your partner to make sure that both of you are ready for this.

> Register for antenatal classes

Antenatal classes can help address the many concerns and issues mothers have about taking care of their baby, and also, help prepare mothers for childbirth and labour.

> Start planning for birth

It is recommended to plan out your personal preferences prior to labour and after birth (e.g. preferred name, labour positions, concerns about pain relief and privacy).

This can help your midwife make childbirth as comfortable as possible.

> Look into confinement needs

If you do not have support at home, you may need to look for a confinement lady or home.

This must be planned in advance as you need to book these services well ahead of time.

> Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy can provide protection to your child against various diseases before they are even born.

This is as newborns are one of the high-risk groups susceptible to contracting infections like influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, as they are too young to be vaccinated.

Children and newborns are at risk of developing severe disease and life-threatening symptoms from such infections.

Maternal vaccinations can help to reduce the risk of babies developing severe lifelong complications and symptoms, as well as protecting the woman herself from such diseases.

Some examples of important vaccinations are the Tdap and influenza vaccines.

The three-in-one Tdap vaccine can provide protection to newborns against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Similarly, the influenza vaccine is important as it can help prevent influenza infections (i.e. the flu) and provide considerable protection to newborns for months after birth.

In conclusion, pregnancy is an exciting and crucial phase in a woman’s life.

Taking the right steps at all stages of pregnancy can help ensure a smooth, stress-free and comfortable experience.

Dr H Krishna Kumar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia past president. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.