In spite of all the challenges we are facing, life must still go on, right? For some, it's a new chapter as newlyweds, ready to welcome an addition to the family. But what are the dos and don'ts before you get pregnant?
The first don't is don't get pregnant unless and until you are ready for it. Pretty obvious, right? But it's not as easy as it sounds, for you will most likely get pregnant unless you take measures to stop it. I am not recommending that you use contraceptives as a newlywed, but if you have a medical reason for delaying or preventing pregnancy, then, by all means, use it. Need help on how to choose the most suitable contraceptive? Chat me up on my blog.
If you haven't started taking folic acid and you plan to get pregnant, please don't delay it any further. You need it for blood formation, and to prevent some abnormalities in your baby, including spina bifida and heart problems. Typically, the 1mg tablet daily is sufficient. If however, you are on anticonvulsants, have sickle cell anemia, diabetes mellitus, or have had a child with spina bifida, then you should take the 5mg tablet daily. Folic acid is best commenced at least 3 months before conception.
It helps to keep a record of your menstrual cycle. This is important so you can note the last menstrual period in order to date pregnancy accurately. It will also help you suspect pregnancy once you miss a period.
If you are on any medication, please discuss with a health professional to know if taking it may harm your pregnancy or not. Several medications shouldn't be taken in pregnancy, including vitamin A supplements for acne, antibiotics like tetracycline, antihypertensives like captopril, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate, and countless others. The list is endless, so its best to discuss it with your doctor. Some medications need to be discontinued at least 3 months before getting pregnant. The same goes for herbal concoctions. Since we don't know many of the ingredients, its best to stay away from them before conceiving. It's also common to mistake early pregnancy symptoms for regular malaria and typhoid, for which you may be given several medications. Please be sure they are safe for use in pregnancy before ingesting. Better still, get a pregnancy test done first, before anything else.
Intercourse may be challenging and some couples may need lubricants. The best lubricants are actually available in your kitchen. Yes, you heard me right. Vegetable oil is the best lubricant with minimal effect on sperm function. Of course, over the counter lubricants are also available, but be sure that they are safe to use if you are trying to get pregnant.
Lastly, I have had several newlyweds expressing concern after noticing some vaginal discharge following intercourse. This may last for a few days and is perfectly normal. It's just some semen trickling down.
To all the newlyweds, congratulations. Do send in your comments, questions and clarifications.
The first don't is don't get pregnant unless and until you are ready for it. Pretty obvious, right? But it's not as easy as it sounds, for you will most likely get pregnant unless you take measures to stop it. I am not recommending that you use contraceptives as a newlywed, but if you have a medical reason for delaying or preventing pregnancy, then, by all means, use it. Need help on how to choose the most suitable contraceptive? Chat me up on my blog.
If you haven't started taking folic acid and you plan to get pregnant, please don't delay it any further. You need it for blood formation, and to prevent some abnormalities in your baby, including spina bifida and heart problems. Typically, the 1mg tablet daily is sufficient. If however, you are on anticonvulsants, have sickle cell anemia, diabetes mellitus, or have had a child with spina bifida, then you should take the 5mg tablet daily. Folic acid is best commenced at least 3 months before conception.
It helps to keep a record of your menstrual cycle. This is important so you can note the last menstrual period in order to date pregnancy accurately. It will also help you suspect pregnancy once you miss a period.
If you are on any medication, please discuss with a health professional to know if taking it may harm your pregnancy or not. Several medications shouldn't be taken in pregnancy, including vitamin A supplements for acne, antibiotics like tetracycline, antihypertensives like captopril, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate, and countless others. The list is endless, so its best to discuss it with your doctor. Some medications need to be discontinued at least 3 months before getting pregnant. The same goes for herbal concoctions. Since we don't know many of the ingredients, its best to stay away from them before conceiving. It's also common to mistake early pregnancy symptoms for regular malaria and typhoid, for which you may be given several medications. Please be sure they are safe for use in pregnancy before ingesting. Better still, get a pregnancy test done first, before anything else.
Intercourse may be challenging and some couples may need lubricants. The best lubricants are actually available in your kitchen. Yes, you heard me right. Vegetable oil is the best lubricant with minimal effect on sperm function. Of course, over the counter lubricants are also available, but be sure that they are safe to use if you are trying to get pregnant.
Lastly, I have had several newlyweds expressing concern after noticing some vaginal discharge following intercourse. This may last for a few days and is perfectly normal. It's just some semen trickling down.
To all the newlyweds, congratulations. Do send in your comments, questions and clarifications.
