Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy Preparing for pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your partner. Congratulations on taking the next step toward building your family! You’re probably aware there are many things you can do to get ready for pregnancy, but did you know both the mother and father’s health is essential in the months leading up to getting pregnant? The time before getting pregnant is called preconception, and it refers to the health status of the mother and father before conception. Women’s Health As a woman, you’ll likely be making lifestyle changes during pregnancy, such as not drinking or smoking and reducing your caffeine intake. There are also changes you can take preconception in order to be in the healthiest space possible for growing a child. Talk to your health care team about specific steps to take in order to prepare for pregnancy, including stopping birth control methods if you currently use them. They may also recommend prenatal vitamins and folic acid in addition to lifestyle changes. Men’s Health Much of the healthy pregnancy conversation is on women, though men’s health also has significant influence on the health of the baby. Lifestyle behaviors, such as drinking, smoking, physical activity, nutrition choices, sleep habits and stress responses all impact the quality of sperm. The healthier a man is preconception, the higher the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy for their partner. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Fertility Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly impact fertility in both men and women if left untreated. Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, causing damage to the reproductive organs and increasing the risk of infertility. In men, untreated STIs can lead to inflammation and blockages that affect sperm production and motility. Military health care providers recommend routine STI screening and prompt treatment to prevent long-term complications. Practicing safe sexual behaviors, including condom use and regular health check-ups, helps protect fertility and overall reproductive health. When Do I Start? Leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to your health and the health of your baby. Engaging in healthy behaviors as a part of your routine regardless of pregnancy status has many benefits for you and your partner. It’s recommended you and your partner prepare at least three months before getting pregnant. Though, the longer you are consistently practicing healthy behaviors before pregnancy, the better. Both the woman and the man play a pivotal role in the baby’s health. Working together on health goals so you are both physically and mentally ready is not only good for your future baby, but also an opportunity to grow closer as partners. How Do I Prepare? The quality of eggs and sperm play a vital role in fertility and developing a healthy baby. As men and women age, the quality of eggs and sperm decline. There is a decline in quality around 35 years of age for women and around 50 years of age for men. Additionally, health conditions can play a role, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Both you and your partner should talk to your health care team if you have health conditions when planning to have children.There are certain health behaviors that not only improve your health overall but increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and birth. Image caption could go here. Weight managementStaying physically active and eating colorful, balanced meals is important to maintaining a healthy weight. Being underweight, overweight and obesity can impact fertility. Create a routine that works for you in order to improve the quality of your eggs and sperm. Image caption could go here. Avoid unhealthy substancesReduce or avoid alcohol consumption, stop tobacco and nicotine use and limit or avoid exposure to toxic substances (e.g., pesticides heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, and lead) during preconception and pregnancy. All of these substances negatively impact eggs and sperm quality. Image caption could go here. Manage stress levelsEmploy healthy coping mechanisms, use stress management techniques and limit stressful situations. Do things you enjoy and stay connected with loved ones, as well. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, and stay connected with support networks, including military family resources. Keeping stress responses in check helps maintain reproductive health. Image caption could go here. Learn about your and your partner’s bodiesAn egg is released from an ovary through a process called ovulation, which only occurs once per menstrual cycle. Conception occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg in the uterus. It’s important to know about your/your partner’s cycle in order to plan for pregnancy. Image caption could go here. Talk to your health care teamKeep up with routine health appointments and seek guidance from military health care professionals. If you have existing health conditions, your health care team will work with you to explore all options and pathways to a healthy pregnancy. Planning to build a family is a joyous moment. Take the steps towards having a healthy pregnancy and new family member. As you go through the decision-making and planning process, communicate with your partner about ways to hold each other accountable if you’re incorporating new health behaviors. Use available military health resources. Support one another and work as a team as you take this next step together. ReferencesAlah, M. A. - “Unlocking the Path to Healthier Families: The Untapped Potential of Men’s Preconception Health”Healthline - “Sperm Quality Declines Significantly After Age 50”Mayo Clinic - “Female fertility: Why lifestyle choices count”MedlinePlus - “Steps to take before you get pregnant”Office on Women’s Health - “Preconception health”
