Pregnancy PREP 101

Planning to be a mom for the first time is thrilling but it can also be daunting. We've got you covered with this guide to getting in the best shape to carry a baby

-  GLYNIS HORNING

You've always known you should achieve a healthy weight, eat a wholesome diet and exercise regularly. If you're planning on having a baby, you now have the ultimate motivation: to conceive easily, cope with the changes of pregnancy, and deliver a healthy baby with the best possible start in life.

Not sure where to begin? Follow these tips to prepare your body...

SCHEDULE A CHECK-UP

See your health provider for a physical exam, and to review your overall health and reproductive health. "They can identify issues that may affect conceiving or carrying a healthy baby," says Pretoria obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth de Gouveia. Blood tests may be taken, and if there are hereditary health problems in your family, you may be referred to a genetic counsellor.

If you are on any medication, your doctor can check whether it might cause problems when you are pregnant and, if necessary, stop or change the medication.

Your doctor can also check that you are up to date with immunisations to protect your health before and during pregnancy, and your baby's health. These include measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

"STRESS CAN AFFECT OVULATION and delay or PREVENT CONCEPTION, or lead to poor eating habits, weight gain or loss, and insomnia"

Some vaccines (such as for chicken pox and MMR) are best not given once you are pregnant as they contain live viruses. Your doctor will be able to advise you on which you need and when you need them.

EAT FOR A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Being either overweight or underweight can affect your chances of conceiving and of pregnancy complications, says Dr Gouveia.