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Getting Pregnant:
Physical Readiness Checklist
Giving your baby the best start in life
means getting your own health squared away before you get pregnant. Addressing your
medical concerns and going in for a complete physical exam three months to a year before
you start trying to conceive will give your healthcare provider an important baseline to
use as a guide during your pregnancy as well as help determine whether you're physically
ready to have a baby.
To help you keep track of all your tests
and vaccinations, we've prepared the checklist below. Print it out and cross each item off
when you've completed it.
- Medical history: Keeping your doctor informed will help her get you
ready for pregnancy.
- Pelvic exam: You'll need to make sure everything is in working
order.
- Pap smear: No visit to the doctor would be complete without
this routine check for cervical cancer or abnormalities. This is particularly important if
you are more than 35 years old.
- Urinalysis: Detecting infections and other problems early will
help you have a healthy pregnancy.
- Blood test: Your doctor may check your blood type and screen
for any potential problems.
- Blood pressure check: If it's too high, you (and your pregnancy) could
be at risk.
- Vaccinations: If you need any immunizations, now's the time.
- Test for sexually transmitted diseases:
Finding and treating them now ups
your odds for a healthy pregnancy.
- Thyroid function test: Thyroid problems aren't common, but they can have
a big impact on your ability to conceive.
- Genetic testing and counseling:
If any genetic disorders (such as Tay-Sacs
disease) run in your family, getting tested now is a good idea. If you had a baby
suffering from any disorders from birth, find out if it is a genetic disorder and have a
genetic counselling.
Ask all your questions: Don't be bashful,
this is what your doctor is for.Address medication and health concerns: Is your
prescription safe for a developing fetus? Find out now, before you get pregnant. |
