This second episode from The NowServing Podcast tackles the common myths about family planning. The host, ‘Yowni’ with our board-certified OBGYN and Gynecologic Oncologist guest, Angeli Anne C. Ang, MD, FPOGS, DSGOP, DPSCPC are here to help us answer what couples usually skip when starting their family.

Summary

Myth 1: Walang sakit at healthy, pwede na sumubok magka-anak

Fact: Feeling healthy does not equate to ready to conceive a baby

A person’s health can be affected by factors like stress, sleep, and what we eat. Thus, not making it the solely reference when starting a family. It’s best to book a consultation with an OBGYN for a preconception counseling to see the couple’s baseline health. This step allows the couples to identify their risk factors that can affect conceiving the baby and the pregnancy itself (e.g., thyroid problem, hypertension, diabetes, PCOS/PMOS, penile dysfunction, etc.).

Learn what is the normal blood pressure for pregnant women in this guide.

In short, both maternal health and paternal health will be checked to begin family planning. Doctors recommend to undergo preconception counseling 3 months before the actual plan of conceiving.

Myth 2: Babae lang ang dapat magpa-check up

Fact: Fertility is not just a female issue, it’s a couple’s issue

Fertility problem consists of a 50/50 equation from the mother and the father. Common problems that men face is the health of their sperm, whether their motility, shape, and count are viable to fertilize the female egg.

At the same time, their overall lifestyle choices can alter their chances of starting a family. It’s best to stop any vices like drinking and smoking to keep the quality of their sperm. Likewise for females, their menstrual cycle, uterine lining, and egg health should be checked to ensure a successful conception.

Furthermore, the couple need to consider the entirety of child health. The child’s genes will come from both the mother and father. The long-term health of the baby will be based on how healthy the parents are.

“Filipino male partners are statistically underchecked, and it’s time to change that.” – Angeli Anne C. Ang, MD, FPOGS, DSGOP, DPSCPC

Myth 3: Folic Acid ay para sa buntis lamang

Fact: Folic Acid prevents neural tube defects and helps with sperm quality

Neural tube defects are detected in the early stage of pregnancy around 3 to 4 weeks. Folic acid is recommended by the OBGYN for the mothers for at least 3 months before trying to conceive.

Meanwhile for the fathers, folic acid can also help with the sperm quality. So it’s not just for the females.

Still, proper diet and lifestyle changes are the best recommendations for fathers, instead of taking folic acid.

Myth 4: Bahala na si Lord kaysa mag family planning

Fact: Family planning is an open-choice for couples, and they can also try natural family planning

Everyone is entitled to their reproductive choices, especially if it involves their beliefs. That’s why they can still try the Natural Family Planning Method.

This method can be more tedious than having a consultation with a doctor as it involves understanding one’s body health and tracking everything. Also, there’s still planning involved here, but becomes more individualistic as it depends on the health of the mothers.

What to check:

  • Menstrual cycles (full cycle can be 28 days, can be longer or shorter depending on the patient)
  • Reproductive health conditions like PCOS/PMOS, endometriosis, etc.
  • Other chronic conditions like mental health illnesses, hypertension, diabetes, etc.
  • Ovulation tracking for high chance of pregnancy (around day 14 of your 28-day cycle)

Whichever method the couple chooses, the important thing is that they should be prepared. Building a family requires planning.

Myth 5: Fertility is unlimited until menopause

Fact: Fertility of women starts decreasing when they reach mid-30s

Women can get pregnant when they still have their menstruation period, but their fertility gradually decreases in their mid-30s. Furthermore, as they grow older, risk factors during pregnancy also manifests, like preeclampsia, diabetes, hypertension, etc.

Read this related article about diabetes and how it affects the mother’s health during pregnancy.

That’s why preconception counseling is important to check these risk factors. Thus, ensuring a safe pregnancy and protecting the mother and baby’s health.

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Resources Mentioned

Final Takeaway

When you build a family, it requires a thorough planning, not only for the mothers and fathers health, but also the baby’s health. The preconception check-up helps with the preparation, allowing the couples to go the right path towards a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

No matter what method you choose, planning is key for building a family. Book a family planning doctor on NowServing today!

Mens Health, Podcast, Womens Health

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