During your prepregnancy visit we focus on your health
history, family history, any medications you take and
previous pregnancies.
Diet and lifestyle are the most important areas, because
these two factors are more important than heredity or
familial factors that may influence your health.
Issues such as diabetes, previous history of heart disease
or heart murmur, high blood pressure or blood diseases are
also important. Medications and supplements including herbs,
minerals and vitamins are important to address.
Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus and
need to be stop before getting pregnant.
Birth control pills, shots, intrauterine devices, patches and any
other regularly taken medication, especially acne medicine, or
herbal remedies need to be reviewed and stopped. One of these
is an herb called black cohosh which needs to be avoided in
pregnancy.
Genetic factors may require genetic testing. these tests are
now much easier and more accurate than ever.
Lifestyle issues, especially weight and exercise are essential.
Folic acid is needed for the proper development of the baby.
This is the B 11 vitamin and is found in leafy vegetables.
However, 0.4 mg daily intake as a supplement is best to
assure adequate intake and to prevent neural tube defect.
If you have or ever had an eating disorder or obesity, we
need to focus on this prior to pregnancy.Smoking, alcohol
and drug use are also issues to be addressed before getting
pregnant.Environmental and work place pollutants and
chemicals or x-rays are to be avoided.
Infections such as STI’s, vaccines, infertility issues and age
are also issues which are addressed during your pregnancy
preparation visit.
When you visit our practice you’ll be able to ask any questions
you might have and you will find that Dr. Joseph Hazan is
there for all of your visits.
Our practice is one of the few where the doctor sees you at
every one of your visits and is involved in every aspect of
your health and well-being every step of the way.
Dr. Joseph Hazan delivers at Mercy, De Paul, Missouri
Baptist and Progress West hospitals and has privileges
in both Washington University and St. Louis University.