But I'm Not Sure I Want to Become Pregnant
Preconception health applies to women who want to conceive and even those who don't want to conceive. And, it also applies to men. Whether a woman is intending to have a family or not, it is important for her to be thinking about her health. A woman's life today is full and complex and pregnancy is only one of many factors she is thinking about.
Managing Your Health
Some of the basic factors of the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control for preconception care include healthy lifestyle, weight and nutrition and managing conditions which are pre-existing. Women should stop smoking and not use substances that are harmful to themselves. These goals are for all women, not just those wanting to become pregnant. Since more than half of all pregnancies are unplanned, sexually active women should be thinking about their health and since they may not know they are pregnant, it would be prudent for them to avoid unnecessary risks - like medications that can harm a fetus.
A Reproductive Life Plan
It is recommended that both men and women consider a reproductive life plan. Such a plan includes personal goals regarding having - or not having - children. It also includes how those goals will be achieved, based on personal values and resources. There are many kinds of reproductive life plans and it is important for each person to think about when they want to become pregnant and under what conditions.
Some Ideas
For example, a personal reproductive life plan could mean not being ready to have children at the present time and deciding to either abstain from sex or protect oneself by using effective contraception. Or, the plan may be to wait until the financial picture is settled and the relationship is secure and then visit a doctor to discuss preconception care.
A man may want to wait until he's established in business or finished university before starting a family. Together with his wife they could discuss contraception and decide upon when they would like to begin their family. Another plan may be to become healthy first or to space children over a specific period of time, seeking the help of a medical professional on birth control. Once the goals are established, make sure they are supported. Seek whatever help you may need from health care providers and counselors who can work together with you to determine what kind of plan would suit your life.
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