Pre-pregnancy lifestyle of couple for a healthy pregnancy

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2011;54(8):825-831
Publication date (electronic) : 2011 August 09
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2011.54.8.825
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Corresponding author: Jong Chul Shin, jcshin@catholic.ac.kr
Received 2011 May 19; Accepted 2011 May 30.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to outline lifestyle habits of couples during pre-pregnancy that promote a healthy pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy is the hope of every couple who intend to have children. However, many of them are surprisingly unaware of practices worth pursuing in everyday life in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. Not only having knowledge about pregnancy but building the lifestyle to prepare one's body adequately for pregnancy will raise the chances of conception, in turn increasing the chance of a healthy pregnancy. Six months prior, a couple should have plans for pregnancy and have proper vaccination. A consultation on living and eating habits helpful for pregnancy is needed and controlling one's weight and checking the overall environment of the work place and home should take place. Three months prior, smoking and drinking should be stopped. A couple should pursue proper eating habits with balanced nutrition and multivitamins including folic acid. A husband should check his lifestyle, always taking into consideration the fact that the fertilized sperm are generated 100 days prior. One month prior to pregnancy, a final check on whether the couple still pursues bad habits for a healthy reproductive life should be done. A wife should avoid passive smoking and any kind of medication. For a healthy pregnancy, a couple should practice the right lifestyle that increases the opportunity for a safe pregnancy.

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