Module 2

Pre-pregnancy
MODULE 2: PRE-PREGNANCY

 Session 1: Getting ready for pregnancy

Activity 1: Importance of preparing for pregnancy

 Module 2
Session 1: Getting ready for
pregnancy
Module 2 Session 4
 Module 2 Session 4

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

 Understand the importance of preparing for

pregnancy;

 Determine the relationship between nutritional status

and pre-pregnancy outcomes; and

 Identify the preparations needed for pregnancy

 Module 2 Session 4

METHODS
Group discussion, lecture-discussion

MATERIALS
Chalkboard/whiteboard or flip charts, chalk or marking
pens

TIME
1 ½ hours
Module 2 Session 4
 Module 2 Session 4

Activity 1:
Importance of preparing for
pregnancy
 Module 2 Session 4

PROCEDURE

STEP 1: Give the participants 20 minutes to have a group

discussion on their experiences during pregnancy. Provide a
copy of guide questions for discussion
 Module 2 Session 4

Guide questions for discussion

• At what age did you plan to get pregnant?

• Did you solely decide when to get pregnant? Or did you
decide this with your husband/partner?
• How many children do you want to have?
• How many children do you have now?
• What is the interval in between your pregnancies?
• What are the difficulties you experienced during your
pregnancy up to the time you gave birth?
 Module 2 Session 4

PROCEDURE

STEP 2: Let the groups identify a representative who will

share their outputs to the class.

STEP 3: While the representatives are sharing their answers

to the guide questions, the facilitator/assistant facilitator
will write all the responses on the chalkboard/whiteboard
or flip chart
 Module 2 Session 4

PROCEDURE

Sample summary of answers

Category Responses of participants

Age

Number of children

Birth spacing

Complications of
pregnancy and delivery
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KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-pregnancy
A critical period where provision of interventions can help
to reduce pregnancy complications. It refers to:
• The period before a woman’s first pregnancy; or
• The interval between succeeding pregnancies.

Goal of pre-pregnancy care

To improve pregnancy outcomes and women’s health
through prevention of disease and management of factors
that affect pregnancy outcome.
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

Optimal age for getting pregnant

• A woman’s age and nutritional status before she

becomes pregnant affect her and her future baby.
• The best time to get pregnant is between 20 and 35
years of age.
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

Optimal age for getting pregnant

• Early pregnancy during adolescence (below age 18)

poses high risk for complications since the body is
still developing.

• Pregnancy beyond age 40 is associated with preterm

delivery, LBW infants, and higher risk of infant
mortality.
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KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

Ideal number of children and pregnancy interval

• The ideal number of children is three from the health

perspective.

• The ideal interval of succeeding pregnancies is at least

three years.
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KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

• Pregnancy is a special time for a woman. She needs to

become physically and mentally prepared.

• The 1st four months is a critical period for the growing

fetus. Any health intervention missed may result to poor
health of both mother and child.
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight

• Both underweight and overweight conditions are
associated with infertility in women.

• An underweight woman has higher risk of delivering

a low birth weight baby.

• An overweight/obese woman may develop

hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, and have
an oversized baby with possible birth defects.
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

Eat a healthy diet

• A woman should be healthy and well-nourished to

withstand the difficulties of pregnancy, labor, and
delivery
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KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

Take prescribed supplements

• Iron supplementation help reduce the risk of

developing anemia

• Folic acid supplementation help the reduce risk of

birth defects in infants
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

Avail of interventions and services in health facilities

• Counseling services

• Vaccination

• Reproductive health services

 Module 2 Session 4

PROCEDURE

STEP 4: Ask the participants on what are appropriate

actions and agreements a couple planning to have a baby
should have to ensure a planned pregnancy.

STEP 5: Write their responses on the board or flip chart and

discuss it using the points for discussion below.
 Module 2 Session 4

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

TIPS FOR THE HUSBAND/PARTNER IN ENSURING
PLANNED PREGNANCY

• Abstain from having sexual intercourse if they are not yet

ready to take the responsibility of raising a family.
• If already with other child or children, make sure that
pregnancy interval is at least 3 years apart.
• Start saving and make sure that health insurance such as
PhilHealth is updated.
• Avail counseling advice on responsible parenthood from
a health worker at the nearest health center.
 Module 2 Session 4

PROCEDURE

STEP 6: Process the activity by asking the following

questions to the participants:

- What happened in the activity? What did you feel?

- What have you learned from the activity

 Module 2 Session 4

TAKE HOME MESSAGES

• Pregnancy is a gift and a very important event in a

woman's life.

• Every pregnancy should be planned, wanted, spaced, and

supported. Couples should postpone pregnancy until
they are ready.
 Module 2 Session 4

TAKE HOME MESSAGES

• A woman should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods

especially those rich in iron and folic acid such as meat,
liver, beans, peas, and dark green leafy vegetables in
preparation for pregnancy.

• Couples planning to get pregnant should avail of

counseling and other health services from the nearest
health facility