Great Expectations:
Why It’s Good To Have A Pre-Pregnancy Plan
Congratulations, you've decided to take the plunge into parenthood. So now what?
Before you conceive of conceiving, obstetrician/gynecologist Payal Shah, MD, with Holy Name Medical Center in
Teaneck, says there are some simple steps you should take to ensure the healthiest pregnancy and the healthiest baby.
“A healthy pregnancy often begins before you become pregnant,” says Dr. Shah.
Dr. Shah’s Pre-Pregnancy Plan
She suggests starting with a visit to your doctor
for a Pap smear and pelvic exam. "This can help
identify getting
any problems that may interfere with pregnant," she explains.
Pop Prenatal Supplements
Experts agree, start ing a prenatal vitamin three
months before conception is ideal.
prevents
“Folic acid is an important nutrient that spinal defects in developing babies. Some
prenatal vitamins have it, but not all of them. So
read the label if you buy over-the-counter supplements
prescription,”
or talk to your doctor about a recommends Dr. Shah.
Take Stock
If you have a chronic medical condition, such as
asthma, diabetes, and/or high blood pressure, Dr.
Shah getting
says it needs to be controlled before pregnant.
Go Back To Your Roots
In addition to your present health, your family
medical history is equally important. “Discuss any
family history of birth defects or abnormalities
generation
with your doctor as they can be passed from to generation,” says Dr. Shah.
Expect Several Visits to Your Doctor
For a continuous healthy pregnancy, Dr. Shah
recommended
says she likes to see patients on the following schedule of prenatal visits:
• Weeks 4 to 28:
1 prenatal visit a month
• Weeks 28 to 36:
1 prenatal visit every two weeks
• Weeks 36 to 40:
1 prenatal visit every week
To C or Not To C
Holy Name has one of the lowest
Cesarean-section rates in New Jersey,
philosophy
due in large part to its and training. Physicians,
nurses, and staff members know
the higher risks associated with
cesarean seamlessly
sections and work as a team to help all
women whenever
deliver vaginally possible.
sometimes
Cesarean births are necessary to ensure the
health of mother and baby.
However, when a C-section
indicated,
isn’t medically both mom
and benefit
newborn from vaginal
delivery.
Payal Shah, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology
201-907-0900
Book online: whcgnj.com
Anastasia Stachura wanted
more than anything else to avoid
a C-section and deliver vaginally.
But after being in labor for hours,
she still wasn’t close to giving birth.
Fortunately, her Holy Name
obstetrician felt as strongly as
Anastasia and stayed for hours
until the first-time mom delivered
her healthy baby boy vaginally.
Read more at
thisplaceisdifferent.org.
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