Lauren Ord, MD & OBGYN at The Christ Hospital Health Network.

Oh, Baby! Doctors at The Christ Hospital Have Advice for Couples Looking to Start a Family in 2025

What You Need to Know Before Trying to Have a Baby

CINCINNATI (January 13, 2025) – A new year brings resolutions, goals and, for some, planning to become parents for the first time. Lauren Ord, MD OBGYN at The Christ Hospital Health Network says there are important steps to take if you’re trying to have a child in 2025.

•Take a Prenatal Vitamin: Any formulation of prenatal vitamin should be reasonable as long as it has 400 mcg of folic acid. It is good to start this a few months prior to conception as a lot of the formation of baby happens early. Some studies also show that this may help decrease nausea in pregnancy.

•Check for Missing Immunizations: Sometimes your immunity to preventable illnesses like varicella (chicken pox) and rubella fade. These are checked once you become pregnant. However, if you are not immune, then mom must wait until after delivery to offer a booster for these vaccines.

•Understand Your Menstrual Cycle: A normal menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21-35 days. Ovulation can occur at variable times during your cycle. An OBGYN can talk you through where peak fertility is for you.

•Update Your Medical History & Physical: All women should have cervical cancer screenings every 3-5 years. During your visit, your primary care provider can review any medical problems and daily medications. Both can be optimized to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

“Pregnancy can be a magical time but also stressful,” said Dr. Ord. “Regular physical exercise not only improves cardiovascular health but also reduces obesity while improving your overall mood. Those trying to conceive should exercise 30 minutes a day five days a week. Our providers will work with you ever step of the way to make sure you have a happy and healthy pregnancy and delivery.”

About The Christ Hospital Health Network

The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 135 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,200 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2024.