Having a baby can be exciting, yet at the same time worrying, especially if the pregnancy wasn’t planned. ‘A planned pregnancy’ is known to be safer as doctors guide you earlier on regarding the dos and don’ts of staying healthy and having a healthy baby. Before conceiving, here are a few guidelines. According to Dr Kenneth Ruzindana, a consultant at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), every woman should be thinking about her health, whether or not planning for pregnancy. One reason is that about half of all pregnancies are not planned and risk preterm birth and low birth weight babies. He says, despite important advances in medicine and prenatal care, about one in eight babies are born too early. Experts agree that women need to be healthier before getting pregnant. By taking action on health issues and risks before pregnancy, you can prevent problems that might affect you or your baby later. For Dr Iba Mayele, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Clinic Galien, Kimironko, your practitioner is supposed to discuss your diet, weight, exercise, and any unhealthy habits you may have and recommend a multivitamin. Immunisation is a must Mayele is of the view that your doctor should also make sure that you get recent immunisations, and test for immunity to childhood diseases like chickenpox and rubella, and guide you on any questions regarding your health. He says in case of certain conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, which need to be controlled before one gets pregnant, they must be referred to a specialist. Mayele notes that before one thinks of conceiving, get the flu shots to avoid complications, such as pneumonia and preterm labour that can come while pregnant. Folic acid (B vitamin) assists in averting severe birth defects that can happen before a woman even knows that she is pregnant, he adds. Toxic substances Mayele notes that smoking or other toxic substances can be dangerous to the unborn baby. Many studies have shown that smoking or taking drugs can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low-birth-weight babies. Some drugs can stay in your system even after their perceptible effects have disappeared. Recent research suggests that tobacco use can agitate fertility and lessen a partner’s sperm count. Studies have shown that even second-hand smoke may reduce aptitude to get pregnant. “If the smoking habits insist, don’t hesitate to discuss with your doctor for assistance about tools to help in quitting smoking, or refer you to counsellors or other assistance,” Ruzindana says. Limit caffeine intake Ruzindana says that as a woman plans to get pregnant, she should mind about her caffeine intake. While there it is unclear about how much caffeine is ‘safe’ during pregnancy, experts say that pregnant women and those trying to conceive should avoid consuming large amounts. Too much caffeine has been linked to a risk of miscarriage in some studies. Weight issues Mayele points out that being too thin or overweight can cause complications during pregnancy. Being too thin can make it harder to get pregnant, yet over weight comes with higher chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and can cause a longer lasting labour. Which is why, one should consult their doctor about the appropriate weight. He adds, having a low or high body mass index (BMI) makes it harder for some women to become pregnant. “Women with a high BMI are more likely to have pregnancy or delivery complications, while women who start with a low BMI and fail to gain enough weight are more expected to deliver underweight babies. Discuss with your healthcare provider the best way to attain weight goals,” Ruzindana says. Oral health Research shows that oral health is very important as one prepares for pregnancy, hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make a woman more vulnerable to gum disease. Higher progesterone and oestrogen levels can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in swollen, red, tender gums that bleed when you floss or brush. In addition, women who take care of their periodontal health before they get pregnant cut down on their chances of experiencing gum complications in pregnancy. See a dentist for a check-up and cleaning immediately, if you haven’t done so in the past six months. Depression Health experts say that it is hard to get pregnant if you are depressed. Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. A person who is clinically depressed can hardly take care of herself, let alone the baby. According to Baby Center, it is important to steer clear of infections when trying to get pregnant, especially those that could harm the baby. Food “You will want to stay away from certain foods, such as unpasteurised soft cheeses and other dairy products, raw and undercooked fish and poultry. These foods can harbour dangerous bacteria that cause listeriosis, a food-borne illness that can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. You should also avoid unpasteurised juices because they can contain bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli,” states BabyCenter. Exercise “In order to make pregnancy and delivery easier, get in shape ahead of time, aim for 30 minutes of exercise that make the heart pump. For instance, walking, bicycling, and swimming are great ways to get a workout,” says Aniket Ukey, a fitness consultant and yoga instructor based in Kigali. He strongly suggests yoga as it stretches the body and strengthens the muscles needed for childbirth, frees stiff joints and lowers back pain, stress and anxiety. Health experts say women who are trying to get pregnant should aim for a moderate exercise routine of 30 minutes or more, most days of the week. Ukey points out that both walking and running are great cardiovascular workouts, because you don’t need any special equipment. Walking is safe and recommended until delivery day. He also says that swimming is a moderate exercise that builds muscle tone and propels cardiovascular benefits. Swimming makes expectant women feel light, and can help relieve common early pregnancy symptoms such as, nausea and swelling. Medication Dr Ruzindana says that some medications are dangerous during pregnancy as they can cause serious birth defects. Some of these could be prescription and dietary or herbal supplements. It is advisable to discuss with your doctor about medications before conceiving. Medical conditions He advises women to be on treatment if they are experiencing any medical conditions, like, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, thyroid disease external icon, high blood pressure, among others. Six months before conceiving Mayele notes that six months to conceiving, women should take prenatal vitamins, these provide at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid has been shown to cut the baby’s risk for neural tube defects by 70 per cent. He explains that pills are the most common form of female birth control. Which means, it takes three months or less of being without contraceptive pills for the body to adapt to its menstrual cycle. Get a check-up See your doctors a few months before you try to get pregnant. Inquire about tests or vaccines you need, how to manage or control any health conditions you have and medicines you can and can’t take during pregnancy, Mayele advises.
