Contraception and Planning the Family
Did you know that planning the family is more than contraception use? In addition to access to proper and effective contraceptive methods, knowledge on the appropriate age for pregnancy, proper birth spacing, and the importance of family health history can help couples in making an informed decision for a pregnancy. Ideally, preparing for a pregnancy would also involve screening for infections, taking the recommended supplements such as folic acid, and taking the recommended vaccines. Thus, planning the family is about knowing your options and coming up with an informed decision for your family’s future and welfare.
Know the appropriate age for pregnancy
Early or teenage pregnancy
Advanced maternal age
Advanced paternal age
Practice proper birth spacing
Decide on your birth control method and determine the adequate number of children for your family
Know your family health history
Take your dietary supplements including folic acid supplements in preparing for a pregnancy
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400 micrograms of folic acid should be taken everyday. However, consult first with your health provider since the dose can be increased to 4000 micrograms per day especially for women with a history of a child with neural tube defect.
