SavvyHealthGirl's Blog

This post is dedicated to all of my friends who are either pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think they may want to get pregnant some day. For those of you outside of the world of public health, there has been a new focus since 2006 on preparing a woman’s body BEFORE she thinks about getting pregnant. It’s called preconception health and health care. Naturally, when most women hear the word “preconception” they automatically break it down in their minds and think this doesn’t apply to them because they are not thinking about being pregnant anytime soon. But that is the key — having a healthy body BEFORE you even begin thinking about getting pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Because 50% of the U.S. pregnancies are unplanned, it is even more important for a woman to be healthy NOW and not when it’s too late.  It’s simple actually — healthy women=healthy babies and healthy babies=healthy communities. It’s a cyclical effect.

Generally, a woman doesn’t know she is pregnant until after 4 weeks of gestation which is the most critical period of development. This is why preconception health trumps prenatal health and care. By taking of your body in advance, you can feel a little better about that 4 week period of development, that you may not be aware of, because you know you were eating healthy, exercising, less drinking of alcohol and not smoking.

Here is an idea of what is happening during those first 4 weeks:

Neural tube forms - It will develop into the nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, hair, and skin). The baby already has the foundation for thought, senses, feeling, and more!

The heart and primitive circulatory system rapidly form – While still in its beginning stages, this is the very life support system that will carry the baby throughout his or her life.

So ladies (and men), I ask that you if you are thinking about having a baby next month or two years from now, that you do some simple things today to help you have a healthy baby and healthy pregnancy. It will make a difference!

• Get a check-up for high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, seizures and thyroid disease.
• Get tested for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Take a vitamin with folic acid every day.
• Eat healthy, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Be active! Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
• Keep stress under control and do pleasant things that will keep you in good spirits.
• Don’t smoke, drink or use drugs.