Deciding to get pregnant is a huge decision, and not one to make lightly. If you and your partner are ready to welcome a child, here are five questions that you need to ask and have answered before tossing your birth control method in the trash.
Am I too old to have a baby?
The media, with its sensationalizing of starlets who give birth well into their late forties, is not always painting an accurate picture of advanced maternal age (AMA). According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, most women lose the ability to get pregnant with their own eggs in their early forties. Of course, this is a best-case scenario. Some women become infertile far sooner.
Don’t be discouraged if you are worried you may be too old to conceive. Many factors, such as your overall health, tobacco use status and your genetics will have an impact on your fertility. Talk to your doctor about this issue to ensure you aren’t trying to conceive in vain. There are treatments available to help boost your odds, even if your age is less than ideal.
Am I healthy from a gynecologic standpoint?
Having a normal period does not necessarily mean that you are fertile or that it’s safe to get pregnant right now. Conditions such as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) sometimes have no outward symptoms, yet will prevent you from achieving pregnancy. Edometriosis is often brushed off as cramps. Getting to the root of any issues right away can save you a lot of heartache and get you on the road to motherhood.
Can my body withstand pregnancy?
Women with controlled diabetes, asthma, arthritis and a host of other conditions give birth successfully every day around the world. The trick is, you will need your medical team to be aware of these issues and work with you to negate risk to you and the baby. If you have any health concerns, discuss them with your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. In some cases, early prevention with treatments or medication can help lower the risk of complications for both you and the baby. It’s always best to have a complete check-up by your primary care physician before you try to get pregnant, to lower the chances of an undetected problem endangering your pregnancy.
Can I have a vaginal birth?
If you’ve ever been told you have a ‘tipped’ uterus, otherwise known as a retroverted uterus or a tilted uterus, you may be concerned that you will be forced to have a c-section. For some women, the fear of a major surgery and the subsequent healing period can put them off the idea of motherhood completely. However, the chances of a tipped uterus causing issues with labor and delivery are small. For the vast majority of women, the uterus rights itself between the tenth and twelfth week of pregnancy. Ask your doctor, but your uterus’ position will likely not be a barrier to a successful vaginal birth.
Am I too heavy to get pregnant?
Obesity is a serious issue that may need to be corrected before you are ready to conceive, but many women who are overweight carry and give birth without difficulty. This is especially true if the mother is committed to keeping her weight gain within recommended guidelines. If you’re overweight, you may need to be seen by a high-risk specialist like Dr. Gilbert Webb after you become pregnant.
Deciding to start or expand a family is a big step. Take the time to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have before you start trying to get pregnant. The peace of mind you’ll gain from this can only serve to bring you peace throughout your pregnancy and delivery.
