Simple precautions help you prepare to get pregnant

A dream for many women, motherhood can be made easier if there is physical and psychological preparation for it. As for the physical part, for those who want to carry a son or daughter, some simple care can ensure that both mother and baby go through the process in good health.

To begin with, it is important to have a pre-pregnancy consultation to perform tests – most of which are already part of the gynecological prevention routine. “The most important ones are the complete blood count, blood typing, fasting blood sugar, thyroid hormone levels and cervical cytology, known as a Pap smear,” explains gynecologist Mariana Cocuzza.

The goal is to identify the woman’s health. “Untreated hypertension, thyroid problems, uncontrolled diabetes and obesity are some examples of pathologies that can influence the baby’s development,” explains Mariana.

According to Fernanda Tha, a gynecologist at Hospital São Vicente, it is also crucial to include tests to detect diseases that can result in fetal malformations, such as toxoplasmosis, rubella and syphilis. “In cases where the woman already has any of these health problems, strict monitoring and control is necessary to ensure that they do not affect the fetus,” adds Fernanda.

Another point that needs to be evaluated is fertility, which tends to decrease as a woman ages. “Women over the age of 35 may begin to experience a decline in egg quality, which is more intense after the age of 40, and may have greater difficulty getting pregnant,” explains Marina.

Furthermore, gynecologists explain that there are several medical conditions that can influence fertility, such as anatomical changes in the uterus, fallopian tubes and pelvic cavity; diseases such as endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it) and polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal disorder characterized by the presence of cysts that can cause problems ranging from simpler ones such as menstrual irregularity to more serious ones such as infertility); and hormonal changes such as anovulation (the absence of ovulation) or even early menopause.

“That is why it is so important to carry out initial examinations, so that the gynecologist can investigate and identify these points and indicate the correct treatment for each case”, says the doctor.

In addition to this assessment, experts state that healthy habits help women go through pregnancy without complications and give birth to a healthy baby. These include:

• Balanced diet: To maintain good health, a healthy and balanced diet is essential, consisting mainly of natural foods – the order of the day is to avoid ultra-processed foods.
  In addition, certain vitamins can be included in the diet – with medical advice. “Folic acid prevents defects in the closure of the fetal neural tube. Today, for example, we use methylfolate instead of folic acid, which is the active form of folic acid, helping in the formation of the neural tube during pregnancy. Omega 3 is also essential for the formation of the fetal brain, as are vitamins B12, D, iron and zinc. Therefore, multivitamins for pregnant women already contain these micronutrients. However, it is always important to note that the pregnant woman may need more, and this is assessed with the gynecologist”, explains Fernanda.

• Physical exercises: Regular exercise, in addition to improving strength and cardiorespiratory capacity, brings benefits to the entire body and helps it cope with the changes caused by pregnancy. To ensure the benefits and avoid any problems, it is important to do so under the supervision of a qualified professional.

• Regular sleep: Lack of sleep can unbalance the production of hormones essential for ovulation and embryo implantation. Therefore, a good night's sleep is important for those who want to get pregnant. Doctors recommend regularizing your sleep and sleeping at least 8 hours a night.

In addition to physical health, it is also essential to be mentally prepared. According to Fernanda, being informed is a great ally for this. The doctor recommends trying to understand the stages of pregnancy and the baby's needs at each stage before visiting the maternity hospital where you intend to give birth.

Another tip is to take courses for pregnant women offered by various maternity hospitals and health insurance companies. “Finally, books also help with this preparation. I particularly loved 'Baby Whisperer' by Tracy Hogg, and I recommend it to everyone,” she says.

Pregnancy is an individual process influenced by several factors in a woman's life, including her age. According to doctors, pregnant teenagers tend to have a higher risk of prematurity, anemia, hypertension, among others.

On the other hand, in pregnant women over 35 years of age, there is a greater risk of the baby having chromosomal diseases, as well as of the pregnant woman developing hypertension and gestational diabetes.