MEDICAL MOMENT: PRE-BABY PLANNING, WHY IMPORTANT

02 Feb MEDICAL MOMENT: PRE-BABY PLANNING, WHY IMPORTANT

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. Have a question for the doctors? Click here to send.

Janet Grant, Nationally Certified Nurse Midwife

This week, the Telluride Medical Center’s Janet Grant, a nationally certified nurse midwife, answers the question:

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DO PRECONCEPTION PLANNING?

While many couples actively plan to become pregnant,  approximately 49% of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned. This means all women of childbearing age should use good pre-pregnancy health practices, also since many women don’t realize they are pregnant for several weeks after conception, health care recommendations include precautions normally taken during pregnancy. These recommendations include:

1. Take folic acid daily, 800 mcg. is the recommended dose. Take 1200mg. of calcium daily. Avoid mega vitamins, specifically vitamins A and E.

2. Check on your immunizations and be sure they are up to date. Most importantly: rubella, chicken pox, pertussis and seasonal flu. Pertussis is often included with the tetanus shot. Wait at least 1-3 month after receiving the vaccine before getting pregnant.

3. Quit smoking, avoid alcohol or illegal drugs and limit over the counter medicines if there is a chance you could become pregnant.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or underweight can
increase risks to you and your baby during pregnancy. Regular exercise helps insure a healthy pregnancy. Yoga and strengthening programs can be started before the pregnancy and usually continued throughout.

5. Address any health issues and medications with your health care provider. Diabetes, hypertension, and genetic diseases can have an impact on pregnancy. Review all prescription medications and determine their effect on a future pregnancy.

Many women get pregnant and then modify their lifestyles. Your pregnancy and baby many have a healthier start if you make these healthy changes before you conceive.

Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. You can choose your own medical provider visit with a specialist or take advantage of their Mountain Skin Care services. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health. For more Medical Moments on TIO, Click Here.