Pre-pregnancy FAQ
Pre-pregnancy preparation is the stage to get ready for pregnancy. Scientific preparation can improve the chances of pregnancy and fetal health. Here are the most common questions and answers during the pre-pregnancy period.
Basic Pre-pregnancy Questions
Preparation Time Questions
Q: How long in advance should I start preparing for pregnancy? A: It is recommended to start preparing 3-6 months in advance. This time is enough for:
- Adjusting lifestyle and dietary habits
- Supplementing essential nutrients such as folic acid
- Conducting pre-pregnancy check-ups and necessary treatments
- Establishing a healthy life routine
Q: What check-ups are needed during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: It is recommended that both husband and wife undergo pre-pregnancy check-ups: Female Check-up Items:
- Blood routine, blood type
- Liver and kidney function
- Screening for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, syphilis, AIDS
- Thyroid function
- TORCH screening (rubella virus, etc.)
- Gynecological examination and cervical smear
- Ultrasound examination of uterus and ovaries
Male Check-up Items:
- Blood routine
- Liver and kidney function
- Infectious disease screening
- Semen routine analysis
Q: What is the impact of age on pregnancy? A: The best childbearing age for women is 25-30 years old. Fertility declines significantly after 35 years old. Male fertility also declines with age, but relatively slowly.
Folic Acid Supplementation Questions
Q: Why supplement folic acid during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Folic acid is crucial for early embryonic development:
- Prevent fetal neural tube defects
- Support cell division and DNA synthesis
- Reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight
Q: When to start supplementing folic acid? A: It is recommended to start supplementing 3 months in advance and continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Supplement 400-800 micrograms daily.
Q: Besides folic acid tablets, what foods are rich in folic acid? A: Foods rich in folic acid include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables: spinach, asparagus, broccoli
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans
- Fruits: oranges, bananas, avocados
- Fortified cereals: fortified bread, oatmeal
Menstruation and Ovulation Questions
Menstrual Cycle Questions
Q: How many days is a normal menstrual cycle? A: A normal menstrual cycle is 21-35 days, and the menstrual period is 3-7 days. The length of the cycle varies from person to person, as long as it is relatively regular, it is normal.
Q: Can I still get pregnant normally with irregular menstruation? A: Irregular menstruation may affect ovulation prediction, but it does not necessarily mean you cannot get pregnant. Suggestions:
- Record menstrual cycle
- Use ovulation test strips to monitor ovulation
- Seek medical attention for regulation if necessary
- Consider hormone level check
Q: How much menstrual flow is normal? A: Normal menstrual flow is 20-80ml, requiring about 3-6 sanitary pads. Too much or too little requires medical examination.
Ovulation Monitoring Questions
Q: How to calculate the ovulation period? A: Ovulation period calculation method:
- Regular Menstruation: About 14 days before the next menstruation
- 28-day Cycle: Ovulation around the 14th day
- 30-day Cycle: Ovulation around the 16th day
Q: What are the symptoms of ovulation? A: Common symptoms of ovulation:
- Basal body temperature drops and then rises
- Increased cervical mucus (clear, stringy)
- Slight pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Increased libido
- Slight breast tenderness
Q: How to accurately monitor ovulation? A: Common ovulation monitoring methods:
- Basal Body Temperature Measurement: Measure body temperature every morning
- Ovulation Test Strips: Detect LH peak in urine
- Cervical Mucus Observation: Observe changes in secretions
- Ultrasound Monitoring: The most accurate method
- Ovulation Prediction Kits: Predict ovulation in the next few days
Q: What is basal body temperature? How to measure it? A: Basal body temperature is the body temperature after waking up in the morning and before any activity:
- Measure at the same time every day
- Use a special basal thermometer
- Body temperature will rise by 0.3-0.5°C after ovulation
- Need continuous measurement to see the pattern
Lifestyle and Environmental Questions
Diet and Nutrition Questions
Q: What are the dietary precautions during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Dietary suggestions during pre-pregnancy preparation:
- Balanced nutrition, diversified food
- Increase high-quality protein intake
- Moderate intake of healthy fats
- Control sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Avoid excessive dieting
Q: What nutrients need to be supplemented during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Key nutrients include:
- Folic Acid: 400-800 micrograms/day
- Iron: Prevent anemia
- Calcium: Bone health
- Vitamin D: Promote calcium absorption
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Egg quality
Q: Can I drink coffee during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: It is recommended to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200-300 mg per day (about 2-3 cups of coffee). Excessive caffeine may affect fertility.
Exercise and Fitness Questions
Q: Can I exercise during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Moderate exercise is beneficial for pre-pregnancy preparation:
- Recommended exercises: Brisk walking, jogging, yoga, swimming
- Exercise frequency: 3-5 times a week, 30 minutes each time
- Avoid excessive exercise, which may affect ovulation
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
Q: What is the impact of weight on pregnancy? A: Being overweight or underweight can affect fertility:
- Overweight: May cause ovulation disorders, hormone imbalance
- Obesity: Increase the risk of pregnancy complications
- Underweight: May cause irregular menstruation, cessation of ovulation
- Ideal BMI: 18.5-24.9
Lifestyle Habits Questions
Q: Do I need to quit smoking and drinking during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Yes, both husband and wife are recommended to:
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco affects egg and sperm quality
- Quit Drinking: Alcohol affects fetal development
- Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Equally harmful
- Start 3 Months in Advance: Sperm production cycle is about 3 months
Q: Can I dye or perm my hair during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: It is recommended to avoid:
- Chemical agents may affect hormones
- Harmful substances in hair dyes
- Choose plant-based hair dyes which are relatively safe
- Absolutely avoid in the first 3 months of pregnancy
Q: Does sleep affect pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Sleep quality is very important:
- Adequate sleep helps hormone balance
- Recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night
- Maintain a regular schedule
- Avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue
Environmental Factors Questions
Q: What environmental factors affect pregnancy? A: Environmental factors to note:
- Chemicals: Pesticides, cleaners, cosmetics
- Radiation: X-rays, computer radiation
- High Temperature Environment: Sauna, hot bath
- Stress: Long-term mental tension
- Environmental Pollution: Air and water pollution
Q: Can I take X-rays during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Should be avoided as much as possible:
- Especially abdominal and pelvic X-rays
- If examination is necessary, inform the doctor about pre-pregnancy preparation
- It is recommended to wait 1-2 months after X-ray before getting pregnant
- Avoid CT scans unless necessary
Medical and Medication Questions
Disease Treatment Questions
Q: Can I prepare for pregnancy with chronic diseases? A: Disease control needs to be stable:
- Hypertension: Need to control within safe range
- Diabetes: Good blood sugar control
- Thyroid Disease: Normal hormone levels
- Heart Disease: Good heart function
- Must get pregnant under the guidance of a doctor
Q: Can I take medicine during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Use medication with caution:
- Inform doctor about pregnancy plan
- Avoid using drugs that may cause teratogenicity
- Chronic disease medication needs doctor's adjustment
- Vitamins and health supplements should also be moderate
Vaccination Questions
Q: Do I need to get vaccinated during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: It is recommended to check vaccine antibodies:
- Rubella Vaccine: If antibody is negative, vaccination is required
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: If not vaccinated, catch-up vaccination is required
- Varicella Vaccine: If never had chickenpox, vaccination is required
- Wait 1-3 months after vaccination before getting pregnant
Q: Which vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy? A: Avoid vaccination during pregnancy:
- Live vaccines: Measles, mumps, rubella, etc.
- Live attenuated vaccines
- Some influenza vaccines (need doctor's assessment)
Fertility Questions
Infertility Questions
Q: How long after trying to conceive without success should I seek medical attention? A: Suggested timing for medical attention:
- Under 35 years old: Trying for 1 year without pregnancy
- 35-39 years old: Trying for 6 months without pregnancy
- Over 40 years old: Trying for 3 months without pregnancy
- Seek medical attention early if there are problems such as irregular menstruation
Q: How is male fertility assessed? A: Male fertility tests:
- Semen Routine Analysis: The most important indicator
- Hormone Level Check: Testosterone, FSH, LH
- Physical Examination: Testicular size, shape
- Ultrasound Examination: Prostate, seminal vesicles
Q: How is female ovarian function assessed? A: Ovarian function assessment methods:
- Hormone Check: FSH, LH, Estradiol
- AMH Check: Assess egg reserve
- Antral Follicle Count: Ultrasound examination
- Basal Body Temperature: Assess ovulation function
Assisted Reproduction Questions
Q: Under what circumstances should assisted reproduction be considered? A: Indications for assisted reproduction:
- Fallopian tube blockage or severe damage
- Severe ovulation disorders
- Severe oligospermia or asthenospermia in men
- Immune infertility
- Unexplained infertility
Q: What is the difference between artificial insemination and IVF? A: Main differences:
- Artificial Insemination: Sperm is sent directly into the uterus
- IVF: In vitro fertilization followed by embryo transfer
- Success Rate: IVF is usually higher
- Cost: IVF cost is higher
- Applicability: Choose according to the cause of infertility
Psychological Preparation Questions
Psychological State Questions
Q: What to do if psychological pressure is high during pre-pregnancy preparation? A: Methods to relieve stress:
- Communicate fully with partner
- Learn fertility knowledge to reduce anxiety
- Seek professional psychological counseling
- Join pre-pregnancy support groups
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Q: How to face pre-pregnancy preparation together with partner? A: Suggestions:
- Learn fertility knowledge together
- Adjust lifestyle together
- Support and understand each other
- Communicate regularly
- Participate in medical checks together
Q: How to adjust psychology if pre-pregnancy preparation fails? A: Adjustment methods:
- Allow yourself to have negative emotions
- Seek professional help
- Relax temporarily, do not be overly obsessed
- Consider other fertility options
- Keep hope but do not be overly anxious
Friendly Reminder: Pre-pregnancy preparation is a process that requires patience and a scientific attitude. If you have any doubts, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor in time.