All About Women | Women

For many women and their partners, the decision to have a baby does not come lightly. A new baby, although very special, brings changes into our lives on many levels. If you are considering having a baby, whether it is your first or an additional child, there are several factors you may wish to explore beforehand.

According to recent research a number of aspects affect a women's ability to conceive, the kind of pregnancy they have and the ultimate health of the baby. These include environmental and nutritional factors, along with issues related to lifestyle, general health and wellbeing.

Are you ready?

Here are some typical questions that you might like to consider and raise with your partner:

• Is it too soon or too late?
• How will a baby affect our relationship?
• Will we return to work?
• Are there any experiences we've had that may affect our parenting?
• These are some of the issues to think through. Seeking information and discussing them can help you come to a decision.
• What, if any, pre-pregnancy tests are recommended?

A good place to start is by choosing and visiting a health professional, that has an interest in preconception health care.

They can take a detailed history and provide a complete physical checkup. They may suggest further tests such as:

• Blood tests to check your blood group, iron levels and immunity to rubella
• Pap Tests –they are recommended every 2 years
• Any existing medical conditions and underlying gynaecological conditions may affect conception and should be discussed with your doctor before pregnancy
• Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood Born Viruses should be treated before pregnancy as some infections such as Chlamydia may interfere with fertility.

What other nutritional supplements are helpful?

Folate is especially important during the preconception period and for the first three months of pregnancy because it reduces the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida. Folate rich foods include green leafy vegetables, cereals with added folate, fruit, dried beans and peas.

It is recommended that women intending to become pregnant take 0.5mg of folic acid per day for one month before pregnancy and for the first three months after becoming pregnant. If you have a family history of spina bifida or cleft palate or on epilepsy it is important to talk to your doctor about this as you may need higher doses of folic acid may be recommended.