The best start for your future baby begins right now, before you become pregnant.

WHAT IS PRE CONCEPTION CARE?

Pre Conception Care is GETTING FIT BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT.

WHY IS IT REQUIRED?

Dr Urvashi Jha – Gynecologist & AN Expert@JE says, "All your baby’s important organs form very early. Birth defects may occur BEFORE you miss a period and realize you are pregnant! Your general health, life style and diet can affect the health of your baby at this time. That is why one has to ensure, as far as possible, that one is fit in every way before pregnancy is considered. With proper pre conception planning you can make required changes and lower the risks of birth defects and pregnancy problems BEFORE & DURING pregnancy"

For example smoking or drinking will damage the health of unborn baby at this time. So if you are planning to have a baby, it is advisable to give up these habits before you actually conceive.

Women below 18 and above 35 years of age are more at risk for problem pregnancies and should plan before.

SHOULD ALL WOMEN OPT FOR PRECONCEPTION PLANNING?

"Pre conception planning is important for all would be mothers." It is a must for-

• Those who are finding it difficult to conceive.
• Those who have had complications like - Abortions, Still births, Bleeding during the pregnancy, Low Birth Weight babies, High blood pressure, Diabetes etc. in earlier pregnancies.
• Those who are undergoing treatment for disease like Diabetes, Hypertension, Epilepsy, Hepatitis, Kidney disease, Thyroid disorder, Tuberculosis etc;
• Those who consume alcohol or smoke.

This brings us to the importance of avoiding unwanted/ unplanned pregnancies. Incidence of teenage pregnancies is on the rise due to hi-fi lifestyle. Inadequate awareness of Family Planning methods and services coupled with poor availability of hygienic and safe abortion centres force women to risk their lives by opting for late abortions.