Questionnaire for Pregnant Women

HAVING DECIDED TO HAVE A CHILD, check yourself with this list of questions. Take them seriously, even if you think some of them have nothing to do with you. Talk to your husband, because some issues concern him equally.

Do you have a rubella vaccine?
Rubella during pregnancy, especially in the early stages when the internal organs of the fetus are forming, can seriously harm the health of the child. Therefore, before you become pregnant, get a blood test to confirm that you are immune to the disease. If you do not have immunity, be sure to get vaccinated. Get tested in advance, since pregnancy is extremely undesirable within three months after vaccination.

Do you or your husband have any hereditary diseases?
Some diseases, such as hemophilia or fibrocystic disease, are inherited. If you or your husband have close relatives suffering from a genetic disease, it can be passed on to your child. Therefore, consult your doctor in advance. If necessary, he will refer you for examination to determine your risk level. This is usually done as a safety net, since, as a rule, a child inherits such a disease only if both parents are carriers of the dangerous gene.

Do you have any illnesses that require constant medication?
If you have a serious medical condition, such as diabetes or epilepsy, you should talk to your doctor before deciding to become pregnant. He may suggest that you switch to another treatment, since some medications are harmful to the unborn child or may interfere with conception.

Do you use hormonal contraceptives?
If yes, then it is advisable to stop taking them three months before you decide to become a mother, so that three menstrual cycles pass before conception (during this period it is better to use other contraceptives). If pregnancy occurs before your regular cycle returns, it will be more difficult to predict the baby's due date.

Does your work involve a risk of occupational diseases?
If you or your husband's job involves chemicals, lead, drugs, or X-rays, this could affect your unborn baby and reduce your chances of conceiving. Switch to safer work and be sure to consult your doctor. If you are already pregnant, take steps to minimize exposure. Absolutely refuse work that involves lifting weights. But modern video monitors do not cause any harm to the health of the expectant mother and child.

How much do you weigh?
It is advisable that at least six months before conception your weight is normal for your height. You cannot switch to a starvation or fasting diet during pregnancy, even if you are significantly overweight - you can deprive yourself and your baby of important nutrients.

Are you eating right?
Fresh foods and a varied, balanced diet are very important for the health of the unborn child.

Do you drink alcohol? Do you smoke?
Once you decide to have a child, you and your husband should give up alcohol and smoking, as they reduce the fertility of both men and women. Tobacco and alcohol are extremely harmful to children.

Do you exercise?
Try walking or swimming, for example. You should spend at least 20 minutes a day on exercise.