PreConceptual health is a health check prior to pregnancy. It focuses on enhancing fertility and addressing any conditions and risk factors that could affect a woman if she becomes pregnant. It is recommended 3 – 6 months prior to trying to conceive. Research indicates it takes 3 months of change to show health benefits.
Preconception health is beneficial to those who have never been pregnant before, and also to those who want to become pregnant again.
Preconception health looks at factors that effect fertility and also factors that can affect a fetus or infant. These include factors such as taking prescription drugs, smoking or drinking alcohol. It also includes advise on important pre-natal supplements (i.e. Folic Acid, Iodine, Vit D). The key to promoting preconception health is to combine the best medical care, healthy behaviors, strong support, and safe environments at home and at work.
Good preconception health care is about managing current health conditions. By taking action on health issues BEFORE pregnancy, future problems for the mother and baby can be prevented. Preconception health care must be tailored to each individual woman. It means helping women and their partners reduce risks and get ongoing care.
Men and other family members are also very important in supporting the goals of preconception health.
Experts agree that women need to be healthier before becoming pregnant. While this is not a new idea, there has not been an organized effort to promote preconception health and health care until now. The recommendations at Nest Consulting consultations are within guidelines set by the NZ & World Health Organisation (WHO). The goal is to improve the health of women, and their partner’s, so that babies can be born healthier in the future. It is also an ideal opportunity to ensure general healthcare is updated (i.e. cervical smears, breast self examination etc).
The family health histories of men are also important when planning a pregnancy.
Men can improve their own reproductive health by reducing stress, eating right, weight management (healthy BMI), avoiding excessive alcohol use, not smoking, and talking to their health care providers about their own medications. It is also important for men who smoke to stop smoking around their partners, to avoid the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
So don’t delay: Book your Pre-Conception Appointment with Nest Consulting today.
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