What steps should I take for a healthy pregnancy at 38?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 38 years old and married. I would like to have a baby within the next two years. I have been married for a couple of years but have not had proper sexual intercourse due to personal reasons (no medical reasons). Now we are almost ready, but before that, I would like to have thorough details about the supplements I need to take, the required tests I need to undergo, and the diet I should follow. I am 38 years old and a bit nervous about my health condition for a healthy pregnancy.

Here is some information about my lifestyle:

My height is 164 cm, and I weigh 130 pounds.
I have never missed a period. My periods occur between 27-29 days, except for a couple of times when they were 30-34 days, usually during periods of high stress. The flow is typically three full days, followed by lighter days. I have never taken the test for PCOD.
I have never had any serious health problems.
I walk or engage in fitness activities for 1 hour a day.
I am a vegetarian, a non-smoker, and occasionally drink alcohol.

I request that you provide proper guidance and the steps needed to take for a healthy pregnancy.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

If you are planning to have a baby, then you should start taking folic acid tablets once daily. Also, do a USG (ultrasonography) abdomen and pelvis scan, thyroid profile, CBC (complete blood count) and urine routine microscopy test to diagnose whether everything is normal or not.

Keep yourself hydrated. Take at least three litres of water per day. Have more green leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Do regular exercise for 15 minutes, and to increase the chances of pregnancy, have regular intercourse around your ovulation day, which is around the 14th day.

I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and all is fine except there is a little vitamin D deficiency and there is a small fibroid in the uterus. But it is very small, so right now no intervention is needed for the fibroid. Start taking a cholecalciferol sachet once a week for four weeks for vitamin D deficiency. Also, do the husband's semen analysis test, and follow all the instructions that I mentioned previously.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.