PRECONCEPTION CARE

Preconception care

This is the care rendered to both male and female are waiting to be pregnant. This care could take about three to six months for women while for others it may take longer period.

If you are married or planning to get married someday and intend to be a parent, you should take care of your health. Parenting starts from making up your mind to have a child. This period of waiting to conceive is called preconception period and there are a lot of things you can do to stay healthy in order to have a healthy child or children. Meanwhile this should be a joint effort of both partners not only the problem or concern of the female partner.

Why the need for preconception care?

a). To reduce maternal and child mortality rate.

b). To prevent pregnancy and delivery complications.

c). To prevent birth defects e.g spinal bifida etc.

d). To prevent unwanted pregnancies

e). To prevent mothers and neonates from having infections.

f). To prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV AIDS

g). To prevent underweight and stunted growth in children.

h). To lower the risk of some diseases such as diabetics cardiovascular diseases and childhood cancers.

Activities to engage in during preconception care.

1. PLAN PREGNANCIES:

i). Plan and determine when you want to be pregnant, the spacing for your children and the goals you want to achieve before getting pregnant.

ii). Use appropriate birth control method correctly until when you are ready to get pregnant.

iii). Plan your family by knowing the number of children you want to have and space them.

2). HEALTHY EATING HABITS: Eat healthy foods with enough vegetables, fruits, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Supplemental vitamins can be taken and avoid eating junks that are not healthy for you. Plan your meal each day for the week.

3). EXERCISE: exercise frequently to stay healthy (walking, jogging, trekking etc )all these help a lot better. You may decide to register in a gym or take yoga classes.

4). Take folic acid 400mcg daily or supplement in food.

5). Avoid smoking or being around those who smoke, smoking hinders the growth of the baby leading to small size birth, early delivery of baby, premature separation of placenta from the uterus etc.

6). Identify and inform your Healthcare provider about any family history of diseases or genetic conditions for early prevention and proper interventions.

7). Take care of your mental health, avoid stressful events that drain you. Take out time to rest, participate in activities that you enjoy doing, take a break from work stressed and house chores. Hang out with friends and seek help when you need too.

8). Avoid sexually transmitted diseases by using condom and staying faithful to a partner, as well as urinary tract infections that may present with symptoms such as itching, urine frequency or urgency, painful urination, smelling discharges. Ensure that you get treated properly by your health provider.

9). Get vaccinated against diseases and keep record of your appointments.

10). Protect yourself from harmful and toxic substances such as chemicals, metals, radiation, pesticides, lead, methyl mercury etc. All these substances are harmful to the growth and development of the fetus which can lead to abnormalities.

11). Avoid drinking alcohol and taking drugs that are not prescribed by your Healthcare provider.

12). Avoid and stop partner violence if you are in an abusive relationship talk to your healthcare provider or talk to a counselor about it to save yourself and your baby from the risk of violence.

13). Visit your health team manager regularly for follow-up and checkups.

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