Question

Sarah is contemplating becoming pregnant. She and her husband are at the clinic to conduct preconception counseling. What teachings would you include?

Answer 1

reproductive history

any previous pregancies, the menstural history,contraceptive use etc

medical history

any health problems eg DM ect

surgcal history

any surgeries,transfusions etc

current medications

any herbal medicines or supplements you take

weight

reach your ideal body weight before you get pregnant. this means losing weight if you are overweight to reduce your risk of complications during pregancy; or gaining weight if you are underweight to reduce risk of delivering low birth weight baby.

lifestyle factors

any habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and recreational drugs stop this.

exercise

do normal exercise routine

diet

include foods rich in fiber and getting enough calcium,folic acid and other nutrients

caffine

limit intake of caffine eg coffee ,tea,chocolate,soft drinks etc

prenatal vitamins

should take folic acid supplements. itb helps to reduce neural tube defect in your baby

other

screened some conditions like rubella,hepatitis,HIV etc

discuss how to chart menstrual chart to detect ovulation and determine time likely to get pregnant.

genetic counselling can helps to understand chance of having a child with birth defects.

assess risk of nutritional deficiencies like pica,milk intolerance

avoid overuse of, vitamin d,vitamin a ,caffine

reduce refined sugars and white floor eg cookies, cake,candy etc

increase all the good things that your body needs like green leafies,apricots,carrots,papaya,mango,whole wheat bread,brown rice,oatmeal.

stop being a meal skipper.

drink plenty of water.

avoid stress and practice relaxation.

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