Having children is a desire for almost all married couples.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the tips for preparing for pregnancy are as follows:

Mental Preparation
Parenting looks fun, but it's not as easy as it looks and imagines. Having a child will change your life in terms of time, energy and priorities. Make a good commitment with your partner so that your relationship will remain harmonious while undergoing your role as a parent.



Regulate Weight
Make sure you and your partner's weight remains ideal. Overweight (obesity) can lead to the risk of pregnancy disorders such as fertility problems, premature birth, gestational diabetes (increased blood sugar levels that occur during pregnancy), hypertension in pregnancy, and even miscarriage. Being underweight increases risks such as low birth weight and fetal defects.

Regular exercise
Regular exercise can improve heart health, reduce obesity, increase metabolism and affect the balance of hormones in the body, including hormones in pregnancy. It is recommended to exercise regularly 4-5 times a week with a minimum of 30 minutes.



Consumption of Folic Acid
Folic acid can help prevent the risk of developing fetal brain and bone marrow defects. It is recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for women who are planning pregnancy at least one month before pregnancy and during pregnancy.



Healthy Diet and Multivitamins
Eating vegetables, fruits and multivitamins are good sources of antioxidants for reproductive health for both men and women. Be sure to consume foods and supplements that contain calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, minerals and iron. Avoid raw or undercooked food to prevent the entry of bacteria into the body that affect the health of the body and reproductive organs.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming illegal drugs should be avoided for couples planning a pregnancy because they can cause fertility and pregnancy problems that are dangerous for the health of the mother and fetus, such as premature birth, birth defects, and even fetal death.



Doctor consultation
Consult a Gynecologist regarding your pregnancy plan, previous medical history, family history of illness, previous pregnancy history, and vaccination history to find out whether there is a risk of disease that will arise during pregnancy or not. The doctor may carry out a physical examination or other support such as laboratory tests or ultrasound to determine whether there is a risk of disease that can interfere with pregnancy.



Author : dr. Annisa Meitriasari (Medical Consultant Doctor PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Jl. DI. Panjaitan No. 7-7A Kampung Kali, Semarang)