Preparing for Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important when you are planning your pregnancy. Consider the following while trying to conceive:

Schedule a visit to your OB/GYN prior to conception to discuss any questions or concerns you or your partner might have and get recommendations on how to optimize your health prior to becoming pregnant.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you are a normal weight before pregnancy, gaining 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy is advisable. If you are underweight prior to pregnancy, you should gain enough to be within a normal range. Excess weight prior and during pregnancy increases your risk of several conditions that can negatively impact you and your baby.

Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid at least 1 month before pregnancy and continue through your pregnancy. Because folic acid is important for your baby’s development and getting enough is difficult through diet alone, taking a vitamin supplement is recommended. Consider talking to a nutritionist about your diet to incorporate the nutrients needed for your baby’s prenatal development.

Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and recreational drug use, these substances can have very harmful effects on your baby, especially in the first trimester. Your doctor can help create a plan to taper off of these substances before trying to conceive.

Prior to conception, monitor any special medical conditions that you might have such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or seizures. It is important to manage these conditions. Do not stop prescribed medication. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter and natural medications. Some medications might not be safe during pregnancy.

Be prepared to provide your physician with a thorough medical history for you, your partner and both of your families. Some conditions are inherited, and you may want to consider genetic testing prior to pregnancy to make sure you have the best chance of having a healthy baby.

Planning ahead before getting pregnant can make a big difference during your pregnancy for both you and your baby. These tips can help you get started; but be sure to ask your doctor what would be best for you.

To find an OB/GYN that’s the right fit for you check out our Redeemer Health providers.

Dr. Jessica Kroes from Women’s Care is here to help patients with their journey. “When someone comes to the doctor, they might be nervous, they might be vulnerable if it is there first pregnancy, and they may have a lot of questions. Listening to the patients and being their support is extremely important.”

Meet Jessica
Dr. Kroes specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology with our Women’s Care Center. She has a degree from La Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and completed her residency at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Program associated with Mount Sinai. Her passion for OB/GYN is driven by the lifetime bonds she builds with her patients. When she’s not sharing baby talk, Jessica enjoys traveling, playing tennis and cooking. She’s fully bilingual in Spanish and English.