Preparing for pregnancy and trying for a baby is a period involving planning and taking concrete actions. About 85% of couples become pregnant spontaneously, without any special care or treatment. The optimal situation is one in which the decision to enlarge the family is a conscious one and preceded by the appropriate preparations aimed by the improvement of lifestyle, reduction of stress, adjustment of diet to the demands of the mother as well as maintenance (or improvement) of good physical and mental condition.
Many experts suggest that the preparation for pregnancy should begin one year earlier – it allows one to adjust to this substantial change in life. At FertiMedica, we encourage our patients to examine their lifestyles and eliminate unhealthy habits (inappropriate diet, alcohol abuse, smoking cigarettes or marijuana), which dangerously affect the quality of the eggs and sperm, resulting in abnormal development of the fetus, and finally, affecting the child’s health. The significance of proper oral hygiene is also worth mentioning as before the pregnancy, all cavities and inflammations should be treated and amalgam fillings should be replaced.
We invite all individuals interested in appropriate preparation for pregnancy, necessary tests, individualized diet or help in overcoming addiction to contact our experts who are specialized in the fields of psychology, Eastern medicine or dietetics.
Couples who are making their first attempt in trying for a baby should check their condition of health – it is important for both women and men. All the basic tests should be performed and moreover, the extended packages should be used in order to make sure that no illness or worse results interrupt the process of trying for a child. At FertiMedica, we highly recommend the following tests for:
- infections – advised for both women and men – it is worth checking whether you are a carrier of Hepatitis B and C (HBs antigen and anti-HCV), syphilis and HIV
- active infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, in addition to the presence of the anti-rubella virus (after vaccination or after sickness) – these infections may pose a risk to the developing fetus
- breast ultrasound and smear test
Additionally, at least three months prior to commencement of the process of trying for a baby, a woman should start taking folic acid, which is an important factor in the prevention of congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system of the fetus. The recommended dose is 400 micrograms per day. The head dietician at FertiMedica also recommends an omega-3 fatty acid supplementation at a dose of 500 mg per day.
The key to success during attempts to get pregnant, especially if these attempts are prolonged, is the support of experienced specialists. At FertiMedica we do not only focus on modern medicine; here patients are under the complex care of an interdisciplinary team. Apart from gynecologists, our team also consists of endocrinologists, andrologists, urologists, geneticists, specialists in ultrasound diagnostics and nuclear medicine. We work with psychologists, a dietician and an Eastern medicine physician. At FertiMedica we will provide you with all the care you need.
This method originating from Eastern medicine is based on mechanical stimulation (through massaging with adequate pressure) of selected points on the body. Acupressure is used as a method of supporting pain therapy (for example, chronic pain). There is a theory of the effects of acupressure stating that its effectiveness is in the additional endorphins released during the procedure, which have an anesthetic effect.
Acupuncture has been known for centuries for reducing pain and maintaining the balance of the qi energy of the body. During this practice, the patient’s body is punctured with silver or golden needles at particular points, which are responsible for the activity of specific internal organs. Those points are located along the energy lines of the body.
Genetic tests provide detailed information on many diseases and a thorough analysis of the origin as well as causes of infertility and miscarriages. In addition, genetic tests help to determine if one is burdened with genetically inherited cancer in order to take proper preventive actions.
Both while planning a pregnancy and throughout its whole period, a woman should be under the constant care of a gynecologist. The specialist should be very familiar with the patient to have knowledge of what diseases she went through, whether she takes any medication, and if yes, what kind are they; if she has any addictions, he should be aware of her lifestyle and many other relevant information. This information is essential to maximize the proper adjustment of a treatment program/guidance to a particular patient. Following the medical interview, a gynecological examination should be conducted (including cytology, vaginal biocenosis, gynecological ultrasound, or a breast ultrasound examination) and additional tests and medications may be requested, if necessary.
During the process of trying for a baby, both at the stage of the starting efforts and at the moment of diagnosed infertility, one should undertake appropriate tests such as blood tests, semen analysis (an extended computer method with the use of CASA equipment) as well as a series of ultrasound tests or thyroid biopsy.
When planning a pregnancy, one should take into account a visit (or more than one visit if necessary) to the dentist. Examining the condition of the teeth is significant as decay can be a source of dangerous bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus, which can contribute to an infection in the body). Additionally, during a pregnancy, some dental procedures may be difficult to perform due to the need for anesthetics – in such situations, the patient should consult a doctor.
The test is used to verify whether there are any cancer cells in the mucosal smear, secretions and tissue. Additionally, an examination of smear from the uterine cervix helps to check whether a woman is not infected with sexually transmitted diseases.
Diet has a huge impact on fertility, as shortages of many minerals and vitamins disturb the processes of producing healthy reproductive cells (male and female), fertilization as well as a proper development of the embryo. The plan to become pregnant should take into account the intake of vitamins – special sets of vitamins designed for mothers expecting a child are worth using, and it is especially important to remember to take proper doses of folic acid.
Every human being needs folacin. Its absence is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as its lack may cause serious defects in the fetus. Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids which form DNA. It also regulates the growth and functioning of all cells, and, along with vitamin B12, it is involved in the formation of red blood cells (haematopoiesis).
If in the near future you plan to have a baby, you should get rid of all undesirable habits as soon as possible. It is recommended to quit smoking and drinking alcohol as they significantly increase the risk of birth defects in a child.
Modern haste, stressful work and various life problems mean that we become more stressed, frustrated and filled with negative energy. If you notice any increased irritability, tantrums, apathy, lethargy, insomnia, lack of appetite or overeating, headaches or abdominal pain, excessive use of stimulants (for example, alcohol), lack of interest in sex or lack of motivation to act – you should make an appointment with a psychologist or psychotherapist (seeing an Eastern medicine expert should also be considered) to cooperatively reduce stress.
