If you are thinking about having a baby, it is never too soon to start preconception health care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on things you can do before and between pregnancies can increase the chances of having a healthy baby. For some women, getting their body ready for pregnancy takes a few months, while others it might take longer.
Silver Cross Hospital offers the following lecture and important steps to help get ready for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
1. See Your Doctor
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“In order for a physician to give the best care, it’s important for a woman to discuss her health history and any medical conditions she currently has that could affect a pregnancy,” said
Dr. Kathleen Slugocki, obstetrician/gynecologist with Women's Healthcare of Illinois. “At this time, the doctor will review any previous pregnancy problems, medicines that she currently is taking, vaccinations and medications that she might need, and steps she can take before pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects.”
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Assess Lifestyle and Behaviors
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using street drugs can cause many problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. Talk with your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use “street” drugs; live in an abusive environment; or work or live around toxic substances to get help with counseling, treatment, and other support services.
3. Take Folic Acid Daily
“If a woman has enough folic acid, which is B vitamin, in her body at least 1 month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s spine and brain,” said Dr. Nicole Orwar, obstetrician/gynecologist with Women's Healthcare of Illinois. “Her Physician can help with prescribing this vitamin and monitoring Folic Acid levels.”
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). In addition, individuals who are underweight are at risk for serious health problems. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk with your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant.
5. Learn Your Family History
Oftentimes, women don’t realize that their sibling’s heart defect or cousin’s sickle cell disease could affect their child. Based on family history, your doctor might refer you for genetic counseling. Other reasons women go for genetic counseling include having had several miscarriages, infant deaths, or trouble getting pregnant (infertility), or a genetic condition or birth defect that occurred during a previous pregnancy.
6. Get Mentally Healthy
Mental health is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. To be at your best, you need to feel good about your life and value yourself. Everyone feels worried, sad, or stressed sometimes. However, if these feelings do not go away and interfere with your daily life, get help. Talk with your doctor about your feelings and treatment options.
7. Attend a Free Program about What to Expect Before Pregnancy
Wouldn't it be nice to know what to expect before you're expecting? Drs.Kathleen Slugocki and Nicole Orwar, obstetrician/gynecologists on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, will cover everything from pinpointing ovulation to pre-pregnancy tips to setting the record straight on all those pregnancy myths onThursday, Sept. 15. This free program will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org.
About Dr. Nicole Orwar
Nicole Orwar, D.O., is a board certified gynecologist and obstetrician physician. Dr. Orwar attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at St. John Macomb - Oakland Medical Center in Madison Heights, MI. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Orwar, contact her office at Women's Healthcare of Illinois located at 10260 W. 191st St., Mokena, at (708) 425-1907.
About Dr. Kathleen Slugocki
Kathleen Slugocki, D.O., is a board certified gynecologist and obstetrician physician. Dr. Slugocki attended medical school at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Illinois - College of Medicine in Chicago. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Slugocki, contact her office at Women's Healthcare of Illinois located at 10260 W. 191st St., Mokena, at (708) 425-1907
