Planning to start your family? Here are some valuable beginners' tips from two of Sequoia Hospital’s expert OB/GYNs, Elaine Chien, M.D., and Shefali Gandhi-List, M.D.
Q: How can a woman prepare for a healthy pregnancy before becoming pregnant?
Dr. Chien: Get as healthy as you possibly can. Eat well, exercise when you can and make sure you get at least 800 micrograms of folic acid a day. Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Also, if you’re underweight or overweight, try to get to a healthy body weight. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your immunizations, and, if you have a chronic health condition like thyroid problems or diabetes, get it under control. If you’re taking medication, make sure your doctor knows you’re trying to conceive so that any medication that isn’t baby-friendly can be changed, as needed.
Q: When should the first prenatal doctor’s appointment be scheduled? What does prenatal care typically entail?
Dr. Gandhi-List: Generally, the first appointment takes place at about eight to 10 weeks of pregnancy, when an ultrasound can be performed to give a patient the most accurate due date. If a woman has a history of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, the first visit may take place sooner. Prenatal care consists of about 15 visits over the course of the pregnancy, during which an expectant mother’s weight, blood pressure, urine and uterine size, as well as the baby’s heartbeat, are checked. Most important, the visits are an opportunity for the OB/GYN to educate the woman about what to expect—and for the expectant mom to ask lots of questions.
